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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. _ 





HISTORY 



OF THE 



iw per $0 Qmaxtm, 

FORMERLY THE 

NORTHERN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 

OF ILLINOIS, 

VOMITS ORIGIN IN- 1835,, TO THE ANNIVERSARY IN 1858 WITH AN 
INTRODUCTION CONTAINtNG A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE SM- 
TLEMENT OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS, AND THE CHAR- 
ACTER OF THE IMMIGRANTS. I 

ALSO 

COPIOUS STATISTICAL TABLES, 

AND AN 

APPENDIX. 

BY JEREMY F. TOLMAN. 



AURORA : 
BANGS & KNICKERBOCKER, 



f*, '> 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by 

JEREMY F. TOLMAtf, 
•In the Clerk's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. 



X-fi **r 2 



\ . 



PREFACE. £** 

Fully to know the real integrity and sterling worth of a man, it is nec- 
essary to inquire into his early history ; to ascertain the nature of his first 
training ; the opportunities he has enjoyed, and the influences with which 
he has been surrounded ; and as these are found to be favorable or adverse 
to the character he has established, and the achievements he has performed, 
so we estimate his actual excellence. 

It is equally proper and equally necessary to a correct judgment, to ob- 
tain a knowledge of the surroundings of a church or other religious body. 
For there is a vast difference in the opportunity to increase and to do good, 
between the church that has, like the church at Philadelphia, " set before 
it an open door, that no man can shut"; and the one that ''dwells even 
where Satan's seat is," as did the church at Pergamos. Hence, if the field 
was white for the harvest, if all things were conducive to the preaching of 
the gospel, and the establshment and growth of churches, when this Associ- 
ation was formed, we should look upon its character and the result of its 
labors in a far different light from what we should, if we knew the diffi- 
culties to be overcome were many and great, and that circumstances were 
much at variance with such an enterprise. 

The Introduction is prepared with special reference to imparting the re- 
quisite information. It treats upon the settlement and state of the coun. 
try and topics affecting the condition and prospects of the churches in 
Northern Illinois, comprising (according to the present division) sixteen 
of the most northern counties. 

The writer has spared no reasonable pains to render this little nmnual 
as correct and acceptable as possible. He is not so vain as to imagine it 
faultless, either in matter or manner ; but having done what he could, he 
submits it to the candor of a generous public. 

The Author. 



4 CERTIFICATE. 

CERTIFICATE OF COMMITTEE. 

The undersigned, a Committee appointed by the Fox River Baptist As- 
sociation to examine and report upon the expediency of publishing the 
following history, hereby express our unanimous opinion that if suitable 
arrangements can.be made for meeting the expense it should be so pub- 
lished. We regard it as an important section of our denominational his- 
tory in this State, and prepared with accuracy, care and skill. We should 
be glad, as we have no doubt all our churches would be, to see it in print. 

L. D. Boox, 
J. A. Smith, 
James McClellax. 
Chicago, May 31st, 1859. 



HISTORY OF FOX RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

INTRODUCTION. 

History and Historians — Divine Goodness — View of the 
Country — Its Settlement — Rapid Growth and Improve- 
ment — Time of Settlement — War — Character of Immi- 
grants — Difficulties about Claims — Anecdotes — Sectari- 
anism — National and Local Prejudices and Worldli- 
ness, hindrances to literary and religious Improvements. 

The past, with all its momentous changes, has ever been re- 
garded as important, and richly deserving of record. Long 
before letters were invented, legendary tales and tradition 
were employed to perpetuate a knowledge of important 
events, and transmit the same to succeeding generations. 
Hieroglyphics were afterwards used for the same purpose. 
But all these forms of memorial have long since given place 
to the pen and the type, among civilized nations. 

The introduction of modern alphabets, made writing less 
difficult, and thus increased the number of historians, and 
multiplied their works. The invention of the art of print- 
ing afforded facilities for publishing books before unknown. 
The thirst for knowledge produced by the Press and the 
Reformation, and the growing taste for history created by 
the latter, brought out a host of historians, rendered their 
works voluminous and scattered them broad-cast over the 
world. 

Among the eminent authors of civil history, the names of 
Rollin and Gibbon justly deserve a place. But deeply in- 
teresting and important as the subjects are, of which such 
historans treat, there is yet another theme— another class of 



6 INTRODUCTION 

historical facts, relating to the church of Christ, of far great- 
er consequence and much more worthy the pen of the his- 
torian. Of the authors who have figured conspicuously in 
church history, may be reckoned Mosheim and ISTeander. 
But we have more illustrious names, more reliable authority, 
and far better specimens of history, both sacred and secular, 
furnished in the Bible, than in all other books besides. 
To say nothing of other portions of the Scriptures, we 
have here the Chronicles and the Acts of the Apos- 
tles. The former disclose the providence of God in direct- 
ing and controlling the affairs of State. The latter 
manifest the riches of his grace in the triumphs of the Cross. 
Both are exceedingly interesting to all who delight in a 
knowlege of the past. But to the devout the latter ever has 
new and peculiar charms. 

Although Northern Illinois has contributed largely to 
enrich the pages of history, her resources are not yet 
exhausted. It is, therefore, hoped that the present humble 
effort to select and preserve some gleanings and reminiscen- 
ces of early days will not be deemed wholly unimportant, 
nor prove to be entirely destitute of interest. 

In tracing the history of this section of country for the 
last quarter of a century, we are struck with the many un- 
mistakable tokens of the Divine care and goodness towards 
it. Exceedingly great temporal prosperity has attended 
every branch of industry. The dilligent hand has made rich. 
All have received a most munificent reward for their labor. 
Spiritual blessings have also been shed upon its inhabitants, 
to an extent that calls loudly for gratitude and praise to Him 
who is the giver of every good and perfect gift. 

To an early settler here, it could not fail to be specially 
gratifying to note down the astonishing changes and rapid 
improvements which have taken place around him. 

Fancy yourself standing upon yonder swell of prairie 
twenty-five years ago, taking a survey of the country. It is 
June. Your senses are regaled with the beauty of the 
landscape, the singing of birds, the fragrance of the air, 
wafting grateful odors from myriads of flowers of every 
imaginable variety of size, shape and hue, blushing in the 
sun-beam, and opening their petals to drink in his vivifying 
rays. While gazing enraptured, you descry in the distance 



introduction. 7 

a something moving slowly over the rich prairie, through 
■ the luxuriant herbage, and among the gorgeous flowers. 
As the object nears you, it proves to be a wagon drawn by 
a single team, containing a family and their earthly all. 
They are moving to the " Far West" in quest of a home. 
At length they stop and on the margin of a grove, rear their 
. lone cabin, amid the chattering of birds — the bounding of 
deer — the hissing of serpents — and the barking of wolves. 
For all the native inhabitants of these wilds look upon the 
intruders with a jealous eye, and each in his own way 
forbids any encroachment upon his fondly cherished home, 
and his long undisputed domain. Look again and you see 
another, another, and yet another. From the same point of 
observation, look again, in mid-summer, in autumn, and in 
winter. And lo, fields are enclosed, waving with grain, and 
ripening for the former and the latter harvest ! A school 
house is erected of rough logs ! How admirable the finish ! 
But what is it ? Not Gothic, nor Corinthian, but Fronterian 
Order. The cracks chinked and daubed with mud. The 
roof " cobbed off," a slab door on wooden hinges, and 
" puncheon" floor, the windows few and small, of glass or 
oiled paper, as circumstances allowed. The fixtures, all in 
perfect harmony with the building, so that an exquisite 
symmetry pervades the whole. This edifice "pays the 
double debt" of school room and house of worship. A 
school is opened ; a church gathered ; the word preached 
and the ordinances of the Gospel celebrated. 

Look again after the lapse of five and twenty years ; and 
what do you see? The waste has become a truitful field, 
adorned with ornamental trees and shrubbery, waving in 
delightful beauty about commodious, and even elegant 
dwellings. Where was then a cabin is now a village or a 
city. In short you behold " a land flowing with milk and 
honey ; abounding in spacious churches, academies, school 
houses, and other seminaries of learning. A land of industry 
and wealth, checkered with railroads, and having a gigantic 
canal. A land teeming with life and annually sending oft 
surplus funds with hundreds, not to say thousands, of its 
sons, to people newer regions beyond. A land whose 
resources and improvements are so wonderful as to stagger 
belief and surpass the power of description. 



§ INTRODUCTION. 

The settlement of the country was scarcely commenced 
till the close of the Black Hawk war, August 1832. At that 
time there were small settlements at Chicago, Dixon, Otta- 
wa Joliet, and a few other places, where are now nine or 
ten populous cities, one ot them containing above 100,000 
inhabitants. Besides which, the skirts of the woodlands 
bordering upon the waters of the OTlain, DuPage, Fox, 
Rock and their tributaries, were here and there dotted with 
the white man's cabin. 

Galena was the first considerable settlement made in 
Northern Illinois. The immigrants were from Kentucky 
and the Southern States. They began to work the Lead 
mines in 1821. Some of the miners came from Southern 
portions of the State. Such usually spent the winter sea- 
son at home, in preference to enduring the rigors of a North- 
ern climate. On the opening of spring they returned to 
the mines at the time when suckers run ; so that they might 
be said to ascend the Mississippi in company with the finny 
tribe. This circumstance gave rise to their being called 
Suckers, which soon became the cant name of the inhabi- 
tants of Illinois. In 1826 the village was laid out. In 1827 
the county of which it is the capital was organized. It is 
thus described by a resident, in 1829, "Galena is the seat 
of justice of Jo Daviess county, and principal depot of 
mines. Contains about 550 houses and 800 inhabitants. 
The mail arrives weekly in stages from St. Louis and pri- 
vate hacks run from Galena to every part of the mining dis- 
trict." The county was named in honor of Gen. Joseph H. 
Daviess of Kentucky, who was killed in the battle of Tip- 
pecanoe in 1811. It comprised the present counties of Jo 
Daviess, Stephenson, Can-oil, and parts of Winnebago, 
Ogle, Whiteside and Rock Island. 

Galena was probably the only place in all Northern Illi- 
nois, that, in the beginning of 1832, was worthy the name 
of village, except in the Western use of the term. About 
this time villages were quickly made. A piece of govern- 
ment land was claimed— a, public square and a score of vil- 
lage lots staked out — a cabin erected — a name given, and 
it was a village indeed ! one of great promise — centrally lo- 
cated — equi-distant from such and such a (would be) im- 
mense emporium — directly on the great thoroughfare be« 



INTRODUCTION. 

tween those cities. But these day-dreams, marvelous as 
they appear, have already been realized to an extent so 
great, and in a manner so exact, as almost to entitle them to 
the name of prophecies. To these general results there 
were exceptions. For the wild speculations of '35 and '36 
stuck many a stake for a village that never grew into one. 
The monetary crisis of '37 left not a few to rot down in 
solitude. 

Of all the wild schemes projected for a village, there 
were probably none, that would compare in boldness of con- 
ception with the one undertaken by a Mr. Thurston. This 
gentleman laid out a village upon the summit of " Buffalo 
Rock," LaSalle Co. The lots were sold at public auction ; 
and some of the choicest were struck off at $350 each. 

To express the peculiar excellence and eligibility of one's 
claim, there was a proverb so common among the early set- 
tlers as to be in the mouth of every one. " Timber and 
Prairie joining ; right in the heart of the settlement.'- This 
was ordinarily iterated with complacency quite becoming ; 
and occasionally with great exultation, when as yet there 
was scarce another cabin within sight. 

Chicago was occupied as a military post at an early pe- 
riod. " On the surrender of Gen. Hull, at Detroit, in 1812, 
the garrison in the fort at Chicago resolved to abandon it. 
Shortly after they had left the fort they were attacked by 
the Indians. They defended themselves with bravery, and 
finally surrendered to a greatly superior force, with the 
promise that their lives should be spared. But, after deliv- 
ering up their arms, several of the men were barbarously 
murdered. An Indian approached Mrs. Heald, who was of 
the party, with a tomahawk raised for her destruction ; but 
she disarmed his ferocity, and insured his protection by 
looking him fully in the face and lemarking with a smile, 
* surely you will not kill a squaw.' This appeal to the mag- 
nanimity of an Indian warrior evinced great presence of 
mind, and knowledge of the Indian character." 

From other, and reliable accounts of this sanguinary 
scene, we learn that Mrs. Heald was wounded during the 
engagement.* But this does not, in the least, conflict with 



* Fniverssal Gazetteer, ml. 1, p. 617. 

2* 



1 INTRODUCTION. 

the foregoing statement. For there is nothing more com- 
mon in savage warfare, than the inhuman massacre of the 
wounded, who unfortunately fall into their hands. Full 
proof of the truthfulness of this fact was given at the time, 
in the cold-blooded butchery of the wounded captives which 
ensued. 

The Indians after plundering the fort destroyed it August 
16th, 1812. It was rebuilt in 1816. In 182b' the town of 
Chicago contained eight or ten houses and fifty or sixty in- 
habitants. In 1830 it was laid out into lots. In 1831 it be- 
came the seat of justice for Cook Co. There were four ar- 
rivals, two brigs and two schooners during that year. After 
the Black Hawk Avar and near the close of 1832, it contain- 
ed five small stores and 250 inhabitants. Since that time 
the growth of Chicago has been unparalleled. In 1835 
there were two hundred and sixty-seven arrivals of 
brigs, ships and schooners, and nine steamboats, bringing 
5,015 tons of merchandise, and 9,400 barrels of salt. The 
value of merchandise imported was $2,500,000." It was 
then a snug, stirring village ; but now a populous city ot 
more than 100,000 inhabitants. The augmentation of its 
business and wealth, has more than kept pace with the as- 
tonishingly rapid increase of its population. 

The counties of Cook and LaSalle were created and or- 
ganized at the same time. It was then customary, in organ- 
izing a new county, to attach to it a portion of territory 
lying outside of its organic limits. By this means the three 
counties — Jo Daviess, Cook and LaSalle, exercised jurisdic- 
tion over the greatest portion of Northern Illinois, from 1831 
to 1836, at which time other counties began to be formed 
from them. 

The war of 1832 brought military forces and explorers 
from various places, who on their return home gave a glow- 
ing account of the goodly land. By this means the country 
was much better and more extensively known. The treaty 
with the Indians, and the tranquility which ensued, were 
favorable to its rapid settlement. A rush of immigrants to 
to this land of overpowering enchantment, was made in 
1833, when the choicest of the timber, and large tracts of 



INTRODUCTION. 11 

prairie were claimed. Many of the first claimants took 
large portions of land, and afterwards sold parcels of their 
claims to new settlers. 

"VVc will noAV give a rapid glance at the character of the 
immigrants, and the special circumstances surrounding them; 
so that a few of the many difficulties which attended the 
propagation of religion, the formation of churches and their 
subsequent prosperity may be seen. 

The early settlements consisted of frontier rangers, shrewd 
speculators, broken merchants, disappointed politicians, 
young doctors, unpracticed and broken down lawyers, and 
second rate ministers; also a few of the better sort in each 
of the professions, together with enterprising farmers and 
mechanics. What if some of the professional men were un- 
polished, and what if they now and then marred the King's 
English? Taken as a whole, they were admirably adapted 
to their condition and work — just the men for the times. 

The settlers, except at Galena, were principally from New 
York, New England, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. 
New York probably sent the largest delegation, Xew Eng- 
land next, and each succeeding State fewer in the order in 
which they are mentioned. Nearly every State in the Union 
was also represented, as well as many of the countries of 
Europe. All had come to seek their fortunes. The re- 
straints which former society had thrown around them, were 
no longer felt. Each individual was a law unto himself. 
All were under a like necessity of forming a new character 
in this "Far off Land." For whatever a man's character 
had been, it availed him nothing here in a community of 
entire strangers. Letters of commendation, emanating from 
whatever source, were of little worth. Each succeeding 
immigrant was measured with a prairie reed and his worth 
estimated accordingly. To the new admeasurement he was 
obliged to submit, for there was no appeal. 

Circumstances were every way calculated to develope the 
real character of all. And it is a painful fact, that in not a 
few instances there appeared to be but little regard for any- 
thing but to secure a large claim, become rich, and in all 
things have the pre-eminence. 

No land was in market, nor even surveyed, except along 
the line of the contemplated canal. Hence disturbances 



12 INTE0DUCTI0X. 

about claims, and especially about their boundaries, were of 
frequent occurrence. These contentions were always very 
annoying. Occasionally they assumed a fearful form, when 
club and mob-law was resorted to and applied with great 
severity, and all the glories of " Squatter Sovereignty" 
stood revealed ! In process of time, a standing " Commit- 
tee ox Claims," was elected in many of the precincts. 
This was a judicious measure, and much good resulted 
from it. 

The Hoosierf and the Buckeye(| came with their loose no- 
tions of liberty, cherishing inveterate prejudice against Yan- 
kees^. The Yorker was conscious of his superiority since 
he came from the u Empire State." The New Englander 
had his " Boston Notions." The clear headed Scotchman 
knew how they did up things in the " Ould Countrie." And 
the Englishman was not wholly free from a tinge of aristoc- 



t This name is given to the inhabitants of Indiana. The following anec- 
dote is related, to account for its origin. "Many families settled on unsur- 
veyed land in the western part of the State. When the surveyors came near 
a cabin, it was usual for them to cry out, in a drawling tone, " Who's here?" 
This was sometimes mistook for " Hoosier." It was quite natural to retort 
upon such an one: "You're a Hoosier." Thus the name was given to the 
squatters first, then to all the inhabitants of the State.'' 

1 The name given to the inhabitants of Ohio, from the buckeye, a tree, 
which grows there in great abundance. 

X There has been much speculation about the origin of this popular name 
for the inhabitants of New England. Heekewelder supposes it to be "A cor- 
rupt pronunciation of the word English, by the native Indians of America, or 
more probably the French word Anglais." 

One of the earliest histories of the Indian wars in New England has the 
following anecdote, " There was a hostile tribe of Indians by the name of 
the 'Yankoo tribe." After suffering much from their depredations, the 
Colony of Massachusetts wholly exterminated them. The event (by genu- 
ine Yankee ingenuity,) was made the occasion of giving to the conquerors 
the name of the tribe they had destroyed. By anglicizing the word it be- 
came Yankee, and was soon extended to all the inhabitants of New England, 
Allowing this narrative to be true, it must have been one of the petty tribes, 
which was destroyed. For this name was not given to any of the principal 
tribes; "all of whom were subdivided into numerous small ones, each hav- 
ing its own sachem, who was in a great degree independent of the others. 
Thus, the Pokanokets were divided into nine tribes, each having its own 
chief, but all subject to one Grand Sachem." There have been scores of 
these petty tribes, whose names have never been recorded in any durable 
form, and are now utterly lost. Hence the mere silence of other historians 
about the Yankoo tribe is not sufl'cientto invalidate the foregoing chronicle. 



INTRODUCTION, 13 

racy. These several peculiarities were strongly marked and 
strikingly developed, especially on all religious subjects. 
For each religionist standing as the representative of his 
denomination, was exceedingly zealous to build up his own 
sect, and to do it precisely after the pattern he brought with 
him. 

Sectarianism was now rampant, and like a powerful under 
current carried every thing in a contrary direction. The 
difficulties which it threw in the way of a faithful and suc- 
cessful discharge of ministerial duties were incredible to all 
who did not actually encounter them. They were more nu- 
merous than the plagues, of Egypt. And so formidable, 
that, like the great mountain before Zerubbabel, it required 
Divine power to remove them. This was, now and then, 
mercifully vouchsafed, and a blessed revival of religion en- 
sued ; but as soon as the gracious work subsided, the Hydra 
reappeared to set things to rights, and with a zeal and sanc- 
tity peculiar to himself entered upon the important duty of 
dividing the spoil, which was ever done with characteristic 
magnanimity and impartiality. 

Some few professors had designedly thrown off the re- 
straints of religion, and left it behind, with -the intention of 
returning for it when they were well settled, and had amased 
a handsome property — sufficient for the maintenance of so 
expensive a guest. Alas, Alas ! Had such persons ever 
read the following passage ? " Godliness is profitable to all 
things, having promise of the life that now is, and of 
that which is to come." Others, having very different and 
far better intentions, either lost their religion in their peril- 
ous passage to this land of promise, or else were so deeply 
engulphed in worldliness soon after their arrival, as almost 
to extinguish the light that was in them. Nor were exam- 
ples wanting, which were calculated to impress the minds 
of the observing with the idea, that individuals, not to say 
whole neighborhoods, imagined the}^ had moved West of 
the Sabbath. 

There were also formidable barriers to literary and relig- 
ious improvement arising from local prejudice. Each settler, 
with few exceptions, had in his own opinion, by far the best 
site for a village or city. And such was the pre vailing en- 
thusiasm, as to induce nearly every one to believe his own 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

cabin was the nucleus, around which a xlense population 
would shortly cluster. Hence in the early settlements there 
were nearly as many sites offered for school houses and 
church edifices as there were claims. And however fanci- 
ful, or even ludicrous it may seem to us now, it was no un- 
common thing to he shown the site for a church which the 
generous donor had reserved, Yvdiile as yet he had not even 
the color of title to the land ; but where, in imagination, he 
saw a stately edifice in progress of erection. Therefore but 
few were willing to contribute toward erecting a public 
building, except upon his own favorite spot. Moreover it 
was quite apparent that some persons were so entirely under 
the blinding influence of prejudice, as to refrain from relig- 
ious meetings, when they were held at a place not of their 
own choosing, especially if it were one, which they appre- 
hended, might thereby become more popular as a site for 
the erection of a church edifice, than the one they had se- 
lected. O man, how fallen ! ! 

To overcome these prejudices, national, local, and secta- 
rian ; to mould and cement into a friendly social compact 
such a heterogeneous mass, brought together with such ra- 
pidity, and under circumstances so peculiar; to check the 
tide of worldiiness which pervaded the entire community, 
threatening the destruction of everything good ; to gain 
the ear, and especially to win the heart to Christ, and thus 
prepare materials tor God's spiritual building, required no 
little skill, and no small amount of labor. Although the task 
was arduous, if the ministry and the churches had labored 
with all fidelity to the Master — if their zeal and self-sacri- 
fice, had been commensurate to the greatness and impor- 
tance of the work in which they were engaged ; would not 
the result have been more signal and glorious ? And would 
not both laborers and churches have thereby loeen greatly 
multiplied and strengthened ? Nevertheless has not enough 
been done, by the blessing of God, to cheer the present 
laborers, and encourage them vigorously to pursue the work 
of faith and labor of love, till complete success shall crown 
their efforts, the topmost stone belaid, and this whole valley 
ioin in one simultaneous and triumphant shout — "Glory to 
the Lamb ?" 



CHAPTER FIRST. 

Preliminary remarks — Organization of the Association — 
Quarterly Meetings — Its Anniversaries till 1846, when 
measures were adopted for its division. 

Among the Baptist ministers who may be reckoned as pio- 
neers in this part of the State, were Elders Freeman, Hub- 
bard, Tolman, and Ambrose. All of whom except Brother 
Hubbard, were under appointment by the American Bap- 
tist Home Mission Society. Elder A. B. Freeman, was the 
first Baptist pastor in Northern Illinois, and probably the 
first Baptist preacher. He settled at Chicago in October 
1833. He baptized the first person ever baptized on the 
Western shore of Lake Michigan, in April 1834. The 
church at O'Plain (now Hadley.) was gathered by him, and 
he assisted in its organization October 5th, 1833. The fol- 
lowing week he organized one in Chicago. He preached 
at the recognition of the church atDuPage in August 1834. 
In December of the sama year he preached at the recogni- 
tion of the church at Long-Grove, (Bristol) and baptized 
Brother (now Elder) David Matlock, the first, no doubt, to 
whom that sacred and significant rite was administered in 
Fox River ; but where many a happy convert has sinc e 
boon buried with Jesus Christ by baptism into death. After 
a brief illness Elder Freeman died the same month, greatly 
lamented. 



1G eistohy of 

Id 1S34 Elder A. B. Hubbard settled at DuPage, Elder 
J. F. Tolman at Long Grove, and Elder J. E. Ambrose at 
Plamfield ; at each of which places Baptist churches were 
soon after formed. Each occupied a field where there had 

never before been Baptist preaching. 

Between the death of Elder Freeman, December 1834, 
and the formation of the Association, September 1835— 
Elder I. T. Hinton had succeeded Brother Freeman in the 
pastorate of the church at Chicago. Elder J. G. Porter 
had become pastor of the church at O'Plain, (Hadley) 
Elder J. Beaver had immigrated to Long Grove, and the 
writer had left the latter place to obtain medical aid in 
New York, and did not return to his field of labor till the 
following spring. 

The Northern, noic Fox River Association, was organized 
by a convention held at DuPage, Cook Co., September 
loth, 1835, from newly formed churches in the Northern 
part of Illinois ; and intended also to embrace temporarily 
the Xcrth-western part of Indiana and Wisconsin Ter- 
ritory. 

The introductory sermon was preached by Elder AY. 
Southwood of Michigan City, from Titus 2 : 13, 14. Br. 
Southwood was chosen Moderator and Brother B. H. Clift, 
of Chicago, Clerk. Brother I. T. Hinton, Corresponding 
Secretary. 

The churches that united in forming the Association were 
t\\o,four following: 

1. O'Plain, (now Hadley) J. G. Porter pastor ; organized 
October 5th, 1S33, with twelve members; two were added 
by baptism, and twenty-five by letter — three dismissed — 
one died— one excluded. Present number thirty-four. 



tfox river association. 17 

The messengers from this church were, Elder Jonathan G. 
Porter, Abraham Snapp, and Cyrus Cross. 

2. Chicago, I. T. Hinton, pastor ; organized October 12th, 
3 833, with fifteen members ; five added by baptism and 
thirty four by letter — dismissed ten — died three — excluded 
one, leaving the number at that time forty. Messengers, 
Elder I. T. Hinton, J. T. Temple, S. Lathrop, and B. H. 
Clift. 

3. 1st. DuPage, A. B. Hubbard, pastor; organized Aug. 
26th, 1834, with six members; eight added by baptism — 
twenty by letter, making thirty- four. Messengers, Elder A. 
B. Hubbard, Abel E. Carpenter, Alfred Churchill, Hiram 
Warren, and A. M. Lull. 

4. Plainfield, J. E. Ambrose, pastor ; organized on the 
principle of total abstinence, October 16th, 1834 with five 
members— four added by baptism — five by letter ; dismissed 
one — excluded one — present number twelve. Total member- 
ship of the four churches one hundred and twenty. These 
churches were all in Cook county, Illinois. 

The objects of the Association were missionary, within its 
own limits, and throughout the world. The means, 

1st. Itinerants, in connection with the American Baptist 
Home Mission Society. 

2d. Sabbath Schools. 

3d. Distribution of the Scriptures, 

4th. Books, Tracts and Periodicals, 

5th. Education. 

6th. Foreign Missions. 

The name given to the Body was " The Northern Baptist 
Association of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin Territory. 
To manage the afiairs of the Association, an Executive 



18 IIISTOKY 01' 

Board of nine was chosen; three forming a quorum. It 
was the duty of the Board to meet quarterly. Such meet- 
ings were called quarterly meetings of the Association ; and 
such they were. For, by the constitution, the pastors of 
the churches were members of the Association, ex-officio. 
Any ordained minister, in fellowship residing within its 
bounds and contributing to its funds was also a member ; 
and the messengers of the churches remained members 
through the year. These meetings were open to all such 
persons, and they were entitled to advise and vote at the 
same. 

After the adoption of a Constitution, the Convention 
being considered as dissolved, Brother Southwood then took 
the chair as Moderator of the Association. It was resolved 
thnt the delegates now elected by the churches to represent 
them at this Association be considered their representatives 
for the year ensuing, and that the officers now chosen by 
the Association be the officers of the same for the same 
period. 

Resolutions were passed recommending to the churches 
the regular maintenance of public worship, the formation of 
Sabbath schools, and quarterly collections of money for 
missions and other benevolent objects. 

The following resolution was also passed to provide a 
home for persons excluded from Baptist churches, as they 
sometimes were, for the crime of being members of a temp- 
erance or missionary society. 

" Hesolved, That this Association recommend to the 
churches, that in case any member shall have been excluded 
by any Baptist church, for attaching himself to any temper- 
ance, missionary, or other society for promoting the king- 
dom of Christ, after ascertaining the fact by proper corres- 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 1& 

pondence with the church, such member be, on application, 
received, whether the church excluding him consent to it 
or not." 

The quarterly meetings w ere spent in devotional exercises, 
in receiving new churches into the Association, in the trans- 
action of missionary business, in the free discussion of top- 
ics deemed important, in the pastors giving an account of 
their respective fields of labor, and in devising means to sup- 
ply destitute places with preaching. The Board reported 
their proceedings to the annual meetings for approval and 
their report was published in the Minutes. 

The first quarterly meeting was held at O'Plain, (now 
Hadley) in December 1835. 

The second was held at Plainfield in March 1836. At 
this meeting the delegates from Long Grove, (Bristol 
Church) presented a Resolution, disapproving of " free or 
mixed communion," on the ground of its being unscriptural. 
The design of it was to snip that doctrine in the bud, and 
thereby prevent farther dissemination of it by Elder Hinton, 
who advocated that practice. The Resolution was opposed 
by Elder Hinton. He had adopted the peculiar views of 
Robert Hall on the subject of communion. He was an 
Englishman, possessing a well endow r ed and cultivated mind, 
was an acceptable preacher and successful pastor. After 
discussing the resolution, it was lost. The Moderator, Elder 
Hubbard, gave the casting vote against its adoption ; not, 
however, because he was favorable to free communion, but 
merely from motives of policy. Thus began a contention 
about communion, which issued in the withdrawal of Elder 
J. Beaver and several of his family connections, from both 
the church and the Association. They united together in 
forming a church at Little Rock, about ten miles distant 



20 HISTOEY OF 

from the one they left. The new church never received a 
formal fellowship from other churches ; nor did it ever join 
an Association. It was supplied with the ministry of Bro, 
Beaver. Several persons were added to it by baptism. It 
has become extinct. Elder Beaver and some other of the 
members returned to the Bristol church. 

For the sake of connecting what we have to say on this 
subject, dates are anticipated. At a quarterly meeting at 
Big Woods, (Batavia) in June 1837, after some debate on 
free communion, advocated by Brother Hinton, it was dis- 
tinctly stated to him, that although there would be no direct 
interference with his pastoral relation with the church at 
Chicago ; yet he himself could not remain a member of the 
Association, unless he entirely desisted from advocating such 
practice at the meetings of the body. Finding the brethren 
firm, and determined to maintain their position, he yielded, 
and gave assurance of silence on the subject at Associational 
meetings in the future. The writer never after heard him 
even allude to the subject in public and but once in private. 

1836. 
The first annual meeting was held at Chicago, September 
21st and 22d. Introductory sermon by Professor Whitman, 
from 1 Cor. 15, 53. Brother I. Wilson Moderator and 
Elder A. B. Hubbard, Clerk. 

Seven new churches were received during the year, five of 
which joined at the quarterly meetings : 

Long Grove, (Bristol) organized November 15th, 1834, 
with six members — twenty-three added by letter. Total 
twenty-nine. 

Little Woods, afterwards Charleston, but now St. Charles, 



VOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 21 

organized October 16th, 1835, with ten members — twelve 
added by letter. Total, when added to the Association, 
twenty-two. 

Vermillionville, organized 1835 with fifteen members — ■ 
two baptized — and two dismissed* Total fifteen. 

Jacksorts Grove, organized 1835 with five five members 
— one baptized. Total six. 

Big Woods, now Batavia, organized June 16th 1836, with 
thirteen members — one died. Total twelve. 

Belvidere, organized July 31st, 1836, with thirteen mem* 
bers. 

2d. DuPage, Warrenville, organized 1836 with twenty- 
two members. 

Four additional ministers— Elder's D. W. Elmore, St. 
Charles — J. S. King and S. S. Whitman, Belvidere, and T, 
Powell Vermillionville, had joined the Association. 

The Executive Board entered upon their work, and pros- 
ecuted it with the zeal and fidelity, becoming the import- 
ance of the interests committed to their charge. Their first 
annual report is too lengthy for insertion here. But an im- 
portant object they always had in view — one ever cherished 
with the most lively interest by the entire body 3 cannot be 
better presented, than it is in the following quotation 
from it. 

" Your Board have been most anxious to secure the aid 
of a faithful minister to itinerate among the numerous set- 
tlements where members of our denomination are scattered 
abroad, that they may at least be occasionally fed with the 
bread of life, and may, as soon as circumstances justify, be 
formed into churches ; but they regret to state that although 
the Home Missionary Society has, with a liberality for which 



22 HISTORY OF 

we would be grateful, expressed a willingness to concur 
with your Association in sustaining such itinerant, that no 
minister has yet been found ready to undertake this most 
important work. The Board have reason to hope, however, 
that by the opening of next spring, a minister from the 
East, peculiarly suited, may be induced to undertake the 
mission, and would urge upon the churches the most liberal 
efforts to sustain him." 

" Under these circumstances, your Board have felt it 
their duty to urge, as earnestly as possible, the stated pas- 
tors of your body to take each of them a share in this ardu- 
ous, but most important sphere of exertion ; and they are 
happy to state that to some extent they have succeeded." 

The Board did not obtain the minister they had in view. 
And it is worthy of special notice, that notwithstanding 
the most strenuous efforts were made, year after year, to 
obtain an itinerant minister, yet the object was never rea- 
lized to any considerable extent. 

At a quarterly meeting the following June, Elder R. B. 
Ashley, recently from the State of New York, accepted an 
appointment to itinerate such portion of the time as could 
be spared from other engagements at one dollar per day. 
His labors were very acceptable wherever he went. They 
were specially blessed to the enlargement of the 2nd Du 
Page, now Warrenville church ; and to the gathering of 
the church at Joliet. At each of these places he baptized 
several persons. 

" The report on the state of the churches" closes thus : 
" This epitome of the state, and progress of the cause of 
Christ within our limits, may well excite the devout excla- 
mation, ' What hath God wrought ?' Twelve months ago, 



1'0X iiiVEli ASSOCIATION <M 

this body Was constituted of four churches, containing one 
hundred and twenty members. We have now the grateful 
duty to report eleven churches and two hundred and eighty : 
eight members ; twenty-three have been baptized, while 
only one has been excluded, and two removed by death, 
The sums contributed to the various objects recommended 
by the Association, amount to $197." 

1837. 

We have failed to obtain the minutes of this session. 
The Association in 1836, voted "That the next annual 
meeting be held at Plainfield, the first Wednesday in Oc- 
tober, Elder Powell to preach — Elder Porter his substitute." 

At this session, or at some of the quarterly meetings/bwr 
new churches were received, all of which were organized 
in 1837 ; Upper O'Plain ten members ; Joliet fourteen mem- 
bers — two of whom had been baptized ; Prophet's Town, 
twelve members, and Rochester ten members. Elders R, 
B. Ashley and Joel Wheeler were added to the ministry — « 
Brother Wheeler was Clerk and Deacon Isaac Wilson 
Moderator. 

1838. 

The third annual meeting was held at Warrenville. In- 
troductory sermon by Elder Ashley ; Elder J. F. Tolman, 
Moderator ; Brother B. H. Clift, Clerk. 

Four new churches were added — Elgin, thirteen mem- 
bers, J. E. Ambrose minister ; McHenry, twenty members, 
J. Wheeler minister ; Dundee and Adams, now Dundee, 
thirteen members, D. W. Elmore minister ; and Lake Zu- 
rich, fourteen members. One new minister, D. T. Graves. 

The church at Rochester was dismissed to form a part of 
the Wisconsin Association. The church at Long Grove 
having changed its place of meeting to Bristol, took thp 



24 iilsroRv oi 1 

iiaine of that village; The name of Little Woods church 
was changed to Charlerton, now St. Charles. Eighteen 
churches, eight ministers, thirty-four baptized, and four 
hundred and fifty members were reported. 

This appears to have been a year of declension in most 
of the churches. Only four of them had accessions by 
baptism. In view of such spiritual dearth, a resolution was 
passed recommending to each of the churches composing 
the Association to hold at least one special meeting in the 
year to promote the cause of God ; and that the pastors 
make such arrangements, as to have not less than two min- 
isters present during the whole time of its continuance. 

To what extent the churches complied with the recom- 
mendation, we are unable to state. But revivals of religion 
were enjoyed in nearly all the churches the ensuing year; 
and baptisms were multiplied four fold. 

A report on the state of the colored population was 

adopted ; and several appropriate resolutions were passed 

on the same subject. One of these is copied for its peculiar 

excellence. 

" Resolved^ That the members of the churches compris- 
ing this Association, are recommended and earnestly urged, 
to make the condition of the brethren in bonds the subject 
of frequent and fervent prayer to Him who is head over all 
things to the church." 

If Bunyan's weapon, " All Prayer," more frequently 
took the place of spirited resolutions and inflammatory 
speeches, much more good would be accomplished by the 
church. 

The report on the state of the churches, says : " One 
serious matter we have to regret, that the usual aid from 
the various churches toward the benevolent objects of the 



FOX KIVER ASSOCIATION. 25 

day, /has not this year been supplied. This deficiency is 
mostly to be attributed to the scarcity of money, and a gen- 
eral depression in mercantile transactions ; we hope, how- 
ever, that yet some signal aid will be afforded, and that the 
several churches and individuals will be zealous in doing 
what they can" 

" At the close of a solemn address from the words, 4 He 
who was rich, &c.,' by Elder Tolman, and a well directed 
appeal to the consciences of the congregation, a collection 
was taken up amounting to $31,25 for Home and Foreign 
Missions." 

Taking all the circumstances into the account, the poverty 
of the people, the scarcity of money, the smallness of the 
congregation, convened in a school-house of no ample 
dimensions, it was the most liberal donation ever made by 
the Association. 

1839. 

The fourth annual meeting was held at Elgin, October 4th 
and 5th. Elder O. C. Comstock, ol Michigan, preached 
the introductory sermon. Elder K. B. Ashley was Mode- 
rator, and Elder Hubbard, Clerk. 

Two churches were added to the body. Fairfield, thir- 
teen members, J. W. Elmore, minister; and Crystal Lake, 
seventeen members, J. Wheeler, minister. Two new pas- 
tors, L. B. King, 1st DuPage, and A, W. Button, O'Plain, 
now Hadley. Total, eighteen churches, twelve ministers, 
one hundred and thirty-six baptized, and six hundred and 
fifty-six members, Prophets' Town church dropped. 

This session was rendered uncommonly interesting and 

profitable, by the presence of a largo number of visiting 

brethren, among whom were 0. C. Comstock, from Michi- 
4* v 



26 HISTORY OF 

gan Baptist Convention ; A. Bennet, Agent of the Baptist 
Society for Foreign Missions ; and J. M. Peck, from the 
Baptist Convention of Illinois, each of whom preached, and 
with other visiting brethren, contributed largely to the inter- 
est of the meeting. 

The glad tidings of revivals, brought by the letters and 
delegates from almost every church in the Association occa- 
sioned great joy, as may be seen by the following extract 
from their corresponding letter : 

" Dear Brethren : — It is with devout gratitude to the 
(driver of every good gift, that we are permitted in this, our 
annual correspondence with you, to call upon you to rejoice 
with them that rejoice. Many of our churches have, during 
the past year, experienced seasons of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord, and the accessions to our numbers 
have greatly exceeded those of any former year, since the 
organization of our body, Truly, it is the Lord's work, and 
to Him be all the praise." 

But notwithstanding these precious revivals? the report of 
the committee on Home Missions, reveals a deplorable apathy, 
and culpable neglect of religious duties on the part of many 
of the immigrants. It is also significant of deep solicitude 
and Christian sympathy for them. The report says : 

"An efficient missionary is now needed to itinerate through 
the limits of this Association, and probably in no region in 
the whole State k such a missionary more necessary, than 
on the Bock River and its vicinity, Members of different 
churches in the East are thronging this section of country, 
and they too frequently carry their letters in their pockets 
til] both tin ir letters and their Christian , oharadters are niearly 
or quite wosn out. There needs some man of God to eir- 



FOX RIVEE ASSOCIATION, 27 

culate through this country, and establish churches where 
they are needed, and gather the scattered and wandering 
sheep into their proper folds." 

" It is believed the time has now come when this cause 
should be sustained by ourselves without much, if any, aid 
from abroad. God has cast our lines in pleasant places, we 
have a goodly' heritage; and are imperiously urged to do 
more for God, who has done so much for us." 

1840. 

The fifth annual meeting was held at Bristol, October 1th 
and 8th. Introductory sermon by Elder Joel Wheeler, from 
Heb. 12, 14. Elder S. Knapp, Moderator; Brother L. XX 
Boone, Clerk. 

Belvidere church was dismissed to Rock River Associa- 
tion. The church at Jackson's Grove having become ex= 
tinct, was dropped. Two new pastors : S. Knapp, Joliet, 
and J. Sears, Lake Zurich. Total, sixteen churches, eleven 
ministers, seventy-one baptized, and six hundred and thirty- 
two members. The time of holding the annual meeting was 
changed to the first "Wednesday in June. 

Brother Boone, from the committee on the subject of a 
North-Western Convention, reported as follows : 

" That in view of the rapid extension of settlements in 
the northern part of our State, and in the Territories of 
Wisconsin and Iowa, and the increasing demand for organic 
and efficient action on the part of our denomination, and 
the impracticability (from the great length of our State) of 
anything like efficient co-operation with our esteemed breth- 
ren of the south, we recommend the adoption of the follow- 
ing resolution : 

" Resolved, That a convention of brethren from northern 
Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, be held in Chicago on the first 



zo HISTORY OF 

Wednesday in January, 1841, at ten o'clock a. m., for the 
formation of a Northern Convention, and that the brethren 
be requested to come prepared, not only to organize said 
convention, but to enter at once upon such business as shall 
be thought necessary for the advancement of the Kingdom 
of our dear Redeemer in this important region." 

The report was adopted and the clerk of the Association 
ordered to give notice through the B. B. and Pioneer, and 
the Baptist Register, ot the time and place of holding said 
convention. 

The body organized by the proposed convention, was so 
entirely identified with this Association in its objects, inter- 
ests, and field of labor, as to render it necessary to give 
some account of it. 

Pursuant to notice given in the manner required by the 
foregoing resolution, " A convention was held at Chicago 
on the sixth of January, 1841, and the North-Western Bap- 
tist Convention was provisionally organized, a constitution 
adopted, setting forth the prominent object of the Conven- 
tion to be the raising of funds to be expended in the home 
field, in connection with the B. H. M. Society, and to do the 
most that possibly can be done for Christ's cause in the 
North-West." 

The convention recommended increasing the funds of the' 
Depository already established at Chicago by the Fox River 
Association, where the books and tracts of the A. B. P. 
Society were kept. Also the establishing of a semi-monthly 
periodical as soon as sufficient means could be raised to 
defray the expenses. 

1841. 

The sixth annual meeting was held at Plainfield, June 2d 
and 3d. Introductory sermon by Brother Ambrose, from 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 29 

Luke 5 : 36 to 39. Brother Isaac Wilson, Moderator ; and 
Brother E. B. Hulbert, Clerk. 

Three churches joined at this session ; all organized dur- 
ing the year. North-East, twenty-one members, two of 
whom had been baptized ; A. W. Button, minister. Paw 
Paw Grove ; fourteen members, two baptisms ; C. Harding, 
minister. Bloomingdale ; eleven baptized; total, twenty- 
three ; J. Wheeler, minister. One new pastor, C. Harding. 
The name of Big Woods church was altered to Batavia. 

Several of the churches had enjoyed revivals. Total, 
nineteen churches, ten ministers, seventy-nine baptisms, and 
seven hundred and seventy-one members. 

1842. 
The seventh anniversary was held at Warrenville, June 1st, 
2d and 3d. Introductory sermon by Brother S. Knapp, from 
Mat. 3: 10. Brother Wilson, Moderator, and L. D. Boone, 
Clerk. 

One new church received — Union JRidge, fourteen mem- 
bers. 

Three new pastors, C. Barnes, McHenry; A. Pease, 
Crystal Lake; and J. S. King, Fairfield. Minutes report 
twenty churches, eleven ministers, forty-one baptisms and 
eight hundred and fifty-four members. 

The following record is made of the decease of Brother 
C. G. Wheeler. 

" In view of the afflictive dispensation of the Providence 

of God, which has during the past year, removed from us 

our dear Brother C. G. Wheeler to his reward in heaven." 

" JResolved, That the cause of God has lost a faithful and. 
efficient laborer ; and that we feel solemnly admonished to 
increased fidelity. (The resolution was adopted unanimously 
by rising.") 



80 HISTORY OF 

Deacon I. Wilson was appointed Director in the Conven- 
tion, twenty delegates were also appointed to that body. 

The following clause is contained in their Corresponding 
Letter. "We especially request the co-operation of Associ- 
ations contiguous to us, in carrying forward the plan of the 
" North- Western Convention." 

" We would also invite your aid in sustaining the contem- 
plated paper, the importance of which we doubt not, will be 
duly appreciated." 

In consequence of the organization of the North- We stern 
Convention, (January 1841) important changes were made 
in the Association at this session. Quarterly meetings of 
the body was discontinued. Missionary business was trans- 
ferred from the Executive Board to the N. W. Convention; 
the funds of the Association were ordered to be paid over 
to the Treasurer of that body; and further to aid it, " a col- 
lection and subscription amounting to $70.37 were taken up." 
For the better understanding of this subject, the following 
extracts are taken from the minutes of the Association : 

" The Committee to which was referred the business mat- 
ters contained in the letters from the churches, beg leave to 
report, 

" That in reference to the subject (alluded to in the Chi- 
cago letter) of dispensing with the Executive Board of the 
Association, and transfering its business to the N". W. Con- 
vention, your committee is of opinion that the change ought 
to be made. 

" With reference to the subject of a Paper, referred to in 
the same letter, the committee feel that they cannot too 
strongly urge the importance of making an effort to estab- 
lish and sustain a paper upon the plan heretofore proposed 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. Bl 

by the N. W. Convention, and would therefore advise the 
passage of the following resolution, 

" Resolved, That the churches composing this Association 
be requested to forward their subscriptions to the approach- 
ing session of the Convention, in order that the question in 
regard to the propriety of establishing said paper may be 
decided at that time." 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. 

" Whereas, it is evident, that in the Providence of God^ 
the time is come 3 in which he is calling upon this body to 
make more vigorous efforts for the extension of His King- 
dom in this region ; and inasmuch as it is necessary to have 
a system adequate to the amount of work to be accomp- 
lished, 

" Therefore, Resolved, That we rejoice in the formation 
of the North-Western Baptist Convention, and most heartily 
recommend it to the co-operation of all the churches of this 
Association, for their prayers and efforts." 

" Resolved, That the ~N. W. Convention be requested to 
take into consideration the propriety of appointing an 
efficient agent to labor within its bounds during the ensuing 
year. 

"Resolved, That the delegates present be requested to 
pledge the number of subscribers for which they will be 
responsible for the North- Western Baptist." " Whereupon 
pledges were made for 203 copies." 

" Resolved, That Saturday, the 2d day of July next, be 
appointed as a day of fasting and prayer, for the prosperity 
of Zion ; and for the blessing of God upon the action of the 
Convention, which will assemble at Elgin the Wednesday 
following." 

We have before stated, that the Association and Conven- 
tion were so identified as to render it necessary, in writing 
a history of the former, to give some account of the latter, 
Therefore we shall give to the reader a description of the 
meeting to which reference is had in the last resolution^ 



32 HISTOKY OF 

An adjourned meeting of the Convention was held at 
Elgin, July 6th, 1842. A prospectus for a semi-monthly 
paper, " The North-Western Baptist," was presented. The 
prospectus was silent on slavery ; and it was understood at 
the time, the paper was to take neutral ground on that sub- 
ject. This condition was exceedingly unsatisfactory to 
several present ; whereupon a spirited debate ensued. And, 
though it was conducted, in general, in a kind and Christian 
spirit ; and though such discussions are sometimes necessary 
and unavoidable, yet at the time of their occurrence, they 
are exceedingly unpleasant ; and often apparently unprofita- 
ble, and even mischievous. But dark and portentous as such 
things appear for the time, yet they have more than one 
aspect ; and like the wondrous cloud that led the Hebrews 
through the wilderness, they not unfrequently disclose a 
brighter side. This discussion tended, no doubt, in some 
measure to solve the great problem of human rights and 
personal freedom, and to contribute its mite towards that 
unanimity of sentiment that now so happily pervades nearly 
the whole Baptist denomination at the North on the subject 
of slavery. " When there had been no small dissension and 
disputation," a proposition was made to publish the paper, 
neutral on slavery ; provided its columns were open to publish 
Anti-slavery Meetings ; and provided also, that individuals 
would pledge themselves to pay ail deficiency of expense 
that might occur from publishing the paper ; so that no debt 
should accumulate against the Convention on that account, 
These conditions were promptly met, and the requisite 
pledges given. Whereupon a vote to publish the " North- 
Western Baptist," was carried almost unanimously. Not- 
withstanding the apparent unanimity at the time, the paper 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 33 

was not well sustained. For it was not possible to conduct 
a periodical at that time, so as to give entire, or even general 
satisfaction to the denomination, owing to the contrariety of 
opinion concerning slavery ; or more properly, about the 
manner of treating that evil. All would not agree to have 
the subject agitated at all. Nor would all agree to let it 
alone. And of those who were favorable to a discussion of 
it, scarcely two were agreed as to the best method of doing 
it. Hence from the first, the " Baptist" had its friends and 
its foes. And like a ship tempest-tost with Charybdis and 
Sylly on either hand, it was in constant jeopardy. It main- 
tained a precarious existence less than three years, when its 
affairs were wound up. But from its ashes arose the 
" Western Christian" and the " Western jStar." As the 
latter luminary lingered along the western horizon about to 
disappear, it lighted the pathway of a weekly — the " Watch* 
man of the Prairies" to take his position, amid difficulties 
and discouragements. And, having faithfully watched over 
the interests of Zion for about five years, he languished ; 
but was soon resuscitated, and came forth in a new dress, 
under the name of the present deservedly popular weekly- — 
the " Christian Times." The " Western Christian" was 
removed to New York, and united with the " Christian 
Contributor" and took the name of the " American Bap- 
tist" 

1843. 

The eighth annual meeting of the Association was held 
at Batavia, June 7th and 8th. Opening sermon by Elder R, 
B. Ashley, from John 18 : 36. Elder J. E. Ambrose, Mod- 
erator, and L. D. Boone, Clerk, 

Three churches were received— Upper Somonauk, now 

Sandwich, organized June 3d, 1843, with seven members, 

5* 



34 HISTORY OF 

Montelona, organized in 1842, with thirteen members; 
six baptized, six received by letter, one died — Total twenty- 
four. 

Blackberry > now Kaneville, with fifteen members, five of 
whom had been baptized. 

The names of four new pastors appear in the minutes — 
C. B. Smith, Chicago; J. Scofield, Bristol; A. J. Joslyn, 
Warrenville ; S. Poley, Blackberry. 

Brother Smith left the Presbyterians, and was ordained 
at Chicago in 1842. Brother Joslyn was ordained at War- 
renville, October, 1842. Twenty-two churches, ten minis- 
ters, three hundred and fifty-four baptisms, and one thousand 
three hundred and fourteen members. 

The name of the Second DuPage church was changed to 
Warrenville. McHenry church was ordered to be dropped 
from the minutes. 

This year is rendered memorable for two reasons ; the 
very unusual severity of the winter, with sleighing which 
lasted from November to April, with but a few days inter- 
ruption ; and especially by the powerful revivals of religion 
enjoyed in most of the churches belonging to the body. In 
no one year in the whole history of this Association, until 
1858, have there been so large accessions to the churches 
by baptism as there were during this year. 

There were only ten ministers to twenty-two churches ; 
but their labors were so divided among them as to furnish 
seventeen of the churches with stated preaching ; all of 
which received additions by baptism. The other five were 
unsupplied with preaching and unblessed with revivals. 
Thus was verified that passage of scripture : " Faith cometh 
by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION, 35 

"The Prudential Committee reported the following reso- 
lutions, which were adopted." 

" Resolved, That in view of the afflictive dispensation of 
Divine Providence in removing from us our dear Brother 
Charles Harding to his reward above, the cause of Christ 
has lost a faithful and efficient minister, and we are admon^ 
ished to be always ready and waiting." 

"Resolved, That the condition of our Brethren in Ben- 
mark, fined and imprisoned and bereft of their religious 
rights by their Pedo-baptist persecutors, appeals loudly and 
earnestly to our sympathies, for our prayers and our funds 
to assist them in resisting the encroachments on their just 
rights ; and in establishing religious toleration to all the in- 
habitants of that land." 

" Upon the presentation of the last resolution, Brother 
Boone, was called upon to give such information as he was 
in possession of in relation to the condition of our brethren 
in Denmark, which he did ; and was followed in an able and 
interesting manner, by Brother Tolman, upon the same sub- 
ject, after which the resolution was adopted, and Brother 
Tolman called upon to lead in prayer to the great Head of 
the Church, in behalf of our afflicted and persecuted breth- 
ren. At the close of the prayer, Brother Joslyn said, that 
inasmuch as he believed in prayer and alms going together, 
he moved that a collection be taken up for the relief of the 
brethren in Denmark, which was carried ; a collection 
amounting to $13.06 was taken up." 

" On motion of Brother Boone, it was 

" Resolved, That the churches within the bounds of this 
Association, be requested to take up collections for the wid- 
ow of our deceased Brother, Charles Harding ; and forward 
the same to the next meeting of the North-Western Con- 
vention." The total thus collected and paid over was 
$36.15. 



36 HISTORY OP 

" JResolved, That a Committee be appointed to devise 
some plan relative to sustaining the widows of deceased 
ministers. 

The resolution was carried into effect. The committee 
reported a plan for raising, 

" A fund to be sacredly devoted to the relief of superanu- 
ated Baptist ministers ; and widows and orphans of deceased 
Baptist ministers." The plan was adopted by the Associa- 
tion. It, however, had so little practical effect in raising 
funds, that in 1845, the body substituted a collection for the 
former method of raising money ; and ordered it to be taken 
annually immediately after the introductory sermon. But 
no alterations have been made relative to the objects for 
which the funds are to be appropriated. Yet, as this is now 
uniformly called the " Widows' and Orphans' Fund," it is 
not improbable that many of our brethren do not know that 
it was equally designed tor the relief of superannuated min- 
isters. 

1844. 

The ninth anniversary meeting of the Association was 
held with the first Baptist Church, Chicago, June 5th and 6th. 

Opening sermon by Elder A. W. Button, from I Tim. 1 : 
11. Elder Tolman, Moderator; L. D. Boone, Clerk. 

Seven new churches were added to the Association at this 
session, viz : 

Long Grove, (Pavilion). This church was organized on 
the 5th of the preceding May, with forty-four members ; dis- 
missed from Bristol church for that purpose. But before 
joining the Association, ten were added by letter and twelve 
by baptism, making sixty-six members ; J. F. Tolman, 
minister. 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 37 

Newark, was organized March 16th, 1844 — thirteen mem- 
bers. The alterations of membership between this time and 
June 5th were, added by baptism four, by letter seven, one 
death. Total number of members twenty-three, gathered 
by Brother M. Edwards, licentiate. He was ordained at 
Newark soon after the church was organized. 

Tabernacle, at Chicago. It was constituted in August 
1843, of sixty-two members dismissed from the First Bap- 
tist Church, for that purpose. After their organization they 
received forty-two by letter, by baptism fourteen ; dismissed 
eight, excluded one, died one. Number when received into 
the Association, 108. 

East Prairie, gathered by Elder E. H. Clift ; fourteen 
members. 

Aurora, twenty-three members ; Elder J. Blake, minister, 
who preaches to the church half of the time. 

JVaperville — This church was constituted through the in- 
strumentality of Brother Morgan Edwards, in June, 1843, 
with six members. Under the pastoral care of Elder R. B. 
Ashley, their number increased to twenty- nine, before unit- 
ing with the Association ; eight of whom he baptized. 

Lochport, was constituted in March 1844, of twenty-one 
members ; four were added by baptism and nine by letter, 
one died, making the number twenty-three. Elder Solo- 
mon Knapp, pastor. 

Six new pastors were joyfully received this year. Elder 
E. H. Hamlin, Chicago ; M. L. Wisner, St. Charles ; P. 
Freeman, Dundee ; J. Blake, Fairfield ; K Warriner, Paw 
Paw Grove, and M. Edwards, Newark. 

The minutes report twenty -nine churches, sixteen minis- 
ters, 107 baptisms (when corrected) and 1,542 members. 



38 HISTORY OF 

The Prudential Committee reported the following resolu- 
tion, which was adopted. 

" Resolved, That we recommend the appointment of a 
Committee of three, whose duty it shall be to take measures 
for procuring a depository of the A. B. Pub. and S. S. So- 
ciety, within the bounds of Northern Illinois Association, 
and that books to the amount of $200, shall be procured, 
and that Brother Boone, Hoard and Hays, be such com- 
mittee." 

" On motion of Brother Hoard it was, 

" Resolved, That the place of the Depository be Chicago, 
and that the Committee appoint a Depositary." 

"Upon a proposition of Brother J. McClellan, Jr., to in- 
troduce a resolution (upon the subject of slavery) not report- 
ed by the Prudential Committee, a constitutional question 
arose, yiz : "Whether a member could present business for 
the action of the Association, which had not been presented 
to the Prudential Committee, which elicited considerable 
discussion. After which the Moderator decided the resolu- 
tion to be in order. Brother Boone, in order to settle the 
question forever, appealed from the decision of the Chair. 
Whereupon, the house sustained the decision unanimously. 
The resolution was then presented, discussed, and the fol- 
lowing substitute, presented by Brother Joslyn finally 
adopted :" 

" Whereas, the question, ■ Ought slaveholders to be em- 
ployed as Missionaries T is now deeply agitating the A. B. 
H. M. Society, to which we through the 1ST. W. Convention 
are auxiliary, therefore 

" Resolved, That we entirely disapprove of the employ- 
ment of slaveholding Missionaries, as repugnant to the 
spirit of the age, of Missions, and of the Gospel." 

In their corresponding letter they say, " God has blessed 
us with his presence. An unusual degree of harmony and 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 39 

brotherly love has marked the deliberations of our session. 
The interest of the meeting was increased by the accession 
of so many new churches, which had sprung up within our 
borders ; and by the presence of an unusually large number 
of visiting brethren, several of whom were from New York 
and New Hampshire." 

1845. 

The tenth anniversary was held at Elgin, June 4th and 5th. 

Elder E. H. Hamlin of Chicago, delivered the introduc- 
tory sermon from 1 Tim. 3 : 15. Brother J. McClellan, Jr., 
Moderator, and Elder S. Carr, Clerk. 

Three new churches, were added to the Association at 
this session — Babcock's Grove, consisting of twenty-seven 
members ; Union Grove, eleven ; Albion, fifteen. 

Eight new Pastors appear on the minutes of this year — 
I. Dudley, in charge of churches at St. Charles and Bata- 
via ; P. Taylor, Warrenville ; M. Brittian, Lake Zurich ; O. 
Adams, Crystal Lake ; A. S. Bramin, Union Ridge; R, R. 
Whittier, Montelona and Blackberry ; W. Dickens, Bloom- 
ingdale ; I. Marvin, Albion. 

The Committee appointed last year to visit the delinquent 
churches, reported that the 1st DuPage church was dis- 
solved ; whereupon the name was stricken from the minutes. 

The Prudential Committee reported that the church at 
McHenry was unconstitutionally dropped in 1843; and that 
her delegates were now present, bearing a letter to the Asso- 
ciation ; whereupon, the delegates were received and the 
church re-entered upon the minutes. 

The minutes report thirty-two churches, twenty-five or- 
dained ministers, three licentiates, 149 baptisms, 1,795 mem- 
bers. Several of the ministers were not settled Pastors, and 



40 HISTORY OF 

remained in the Association but a short time. Some of the 
Pastors also left during the year ; so that only eleven ol the 
twenty-five ministers were present at the next anniversary. 

The state of religion in the churches, as expressed in their 
letter to the Association, is thus summed up : 

" All the churches represented in the Association except 
three have stated preaching, some portion of the time ; and 
most of them every Lord's day. They all contribute ac- 
cording to their means, to meet the necessary expenses and 
sustain worship in the house of God, and are generally 
favorable to the benevolent objects of the day. * * * 
Though the past year has not been a season of distinguished 
and powerful revivals, yet some mercy drops have fallen on 
most of the churches, and at Elgin, Long Grove and Bristol 
they have had quite a refreshing from the presence of the 
Lord." 

A resolution was passed recommending the " Western 
Christian," and adopting it as the future organ of the Asso- 
ciation. 

Also a preamble and resolutions setting forth the wretched 
condition of the colored population of the Slave States. 

A resolution was adopted, approving the decision of the 
Am. Bap. Board of Foreign Missions, and of the Baptist 
Home Missionary Society, in refusing to appoint slavehol- 
ders as Missionaries, and recommending to the churches 
composing this body, to sustain said Boards, in their present 
embarrassed condition, by their fervent prayers and liberal 
contributions. Whereupon contributions were taken, for 
Foreign Missions, $29.55 ; and for Domestic, $10.33. 

The action of the North-Western Convention, relating to 
a union with the Illinois State Convention, created through- 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION". 41 

out the Association an intense solicitude for the welfare of 
Domestic Missions in Northern Illinois ; whereupon 

" A Committee was appointed on the relation of this 
Association to that body." The Committee reported, and 
the report was adopted as follows : 

" Your Committee respectfully report, 

" That we learn from the minutes of the North-Western 
Baptist Convention, that at their last session (at Belvidere, 
October, 1844,) they appointed a Committee to confer with 
a Committee of the Illinois State Convention, upon the sub- 
ject of a union between the two bodies, instructing them to 
report to the auxiliaries composing these two organizations, 
the terms on which such union is contemplated. The Com- 
mittees met at Canton,. November 21, 1844 ; formed a State 
Association ; appointed an agent, and established a paper, 
(The Western Star, edited by A. Bailey, Jacksonville^) in 
which they publish their proceedings. Your Committee 
deem such a union undesirable, as the great length of the 
State, together with the limited means of our best brethren, 
render it difficult, if not entirely impracticable, for us to co- 
operate with- efficiency." 

" We therefore recommend that this Association instruct 
its delegates to the North-Western Baptist Convention to 
oppose the contemplated union," 

Dates are anticipated for the sake of giving a connected 
account of this matter. The North-Western Baptist Con- 
vention, at its last session, adjourned to meet at Tremont, 
Tazewell county, October 18th, 1845, for the express purpose 
of consummating a union of the two bodies ; provided the 
negotiations were satisfactory for which Committees had 

been appointed. At that meeting, " The Baptist General 
6* 



42 H1ST0JKY OF 

Association of Illinois," was permanently organized by a' 
cordial and entire union of the two " Conventions." 

A resolution was passed by the North-Western Conven- 
tion, declaring that body to be virtually dissolved. And the 
acting Board of the Illinois Baptist State Convention, in 
confiding their trust to the newly organized body, used the 
following language : 

"In resigning our trust to other hands, we would observe,? 
that we regard the field in which the General Association is 
called to labor as vastly important. We must be allowed 
to congratulate all sections of our Zion in Illinois, on the 
happy union that has taken place between the two Conven- 
tions that have existed in this State for the past six years." 

"The two Conventions," were not contemporaries six 
years, as will appear from the following facts. 

The North-Western Baptist Convention was provisionally 
organized at Chicago, January 6th, 1841. The organization 
was made permanent at an adjourned meeting the following 
October. This was called the " Second Meeting," Two 
sessions were held in 1842 ; and the one in 1843 is styled 
"The Fifth Annual Meeting," and the session in 1844 
"The Sixth Annual Meeting," It was indeed the sixth 
meeting of the Convention ; but only the fourth Anniver- 
sary. The extra meetings doubtless occasioned the error 
in reckoning. Hence it is apparent that " The two Con- 
ventions had existed " together only four instead of six 
years. 

The Northern (now Fox River) Association was dissatis- 
fied with the foregoing arrangement, and did not readily 
acquiesce in it, as appears from the measures adopted at the 
next meeting after the union of the two Conventions, At> 
that meeting the 



POX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 43 

"Prudential Committee presented the following report, 

which was adopted : 

" JResolved, That we recommend to the Association the 
appointment of an Executive Board on Home Missions, to 
consist of twenty-four members, five of whom shall consti- 
tute a quorum, which shall be located at Chicago. That 
this Association elect two thirds of said Board, and request 
the Rock River Association to elect the remainder; and that 
we appoint a delegation to attend the General Association 
of this State, and unite with them, provided they will recog- 
nize the above arrangement." 

The foregoing resolution was presented to the General 
Association at its next anniversaiy, held at Peoria the fol- 
lowing October, (1844.) The provisions of the resolution 
were not complied with, and both the Northern (now Fox 
River) and the Rock River Associations, united with the 
General Association unconditionally ; and have ever since 
co-operated with that body. 

We will now return to the session in 1845, and consider 
the division of the Northern Association. 

The Prudential Committee in their report upon business 
" Suggest that it is expedient to appoint a Committee of 
three, to take into consideration the propriety of a mutual 
division of this Association, and report at the next annual 
meeting." But after some consultation it was, 

" Voted to refer the subject of dividing the Association, 
as presented by the Prudential Committee, to the individual 
churches, to report in their letters at our next session." 

The proposition to divide the Association elicited very 
little discussion. The ostensible, and indeed, the only rea- 
son assigned in favor of the measure, was the great extent 
of territory occupied by the Association, the average dimen- 
sions being about eighty by sixty miles. A few brethren 



44 HISTORY OF 

suggested apprehensions of inability to constitute two respec- 
table and efficient bodies ; to which only one individual 
replied. The speaker expressed his firm conviction, that 
nothing was to be feared from a division of the Association, 
that it would be productive of good — would bring gifts into 
action now lying dormant ; be the means of more vigorous 
and enlarged efforts to promote the cause of Christ ; and 
that the time was not far distant when each body would 
raise more money, and perform more missionary labor, than 
was then done by the whole Association ; illustrating and 
confirming his opinion by reference to several similar divis- 
ions" with like results. 

But whatever might have been the ostensible reason, the 
real cause of the suggestion to divide, and the subsequent 
division of the Association, though not once expressed, was 
doubtless perfectly well understood by every one present. 
It existed in the great diversity and contrariety of opinions 
concerning slavery and the frequent debates which ensued. 

1846. 

The eleventh annual meeting was held at Bristol, June 
4th and 5th. Introductory sermon by Elder A. J. Joslyn, 
from Deut. 1 : 28. By request of the Association, this ser- 
mon was published in the Western Christian. 

Elder I. Dudley, of St. Charles, was chosen Moderator, 
and R. W. Pa Delford, of Elgin, Clerk. 

One new church was admitted into the Association at this 
session — Little Fort, (Waukegan.) It was organized in 
April with twelve members — three had been baptized, and 
two were added by letter. Total, seventeen. P. Freeman, 
minister. 

Elder S. Knapp, of the Committee to visit delinquent 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 43 

churches,' " reported that the church at Joliet had become 
extinct, and recommended that the name be stricken from 
our minutes." Accordingly it was done. 

Thirty-two churches, seventeen ordained ministers, three 
licentiates, twenty-eight baptisms, sixty-three exclusions, 
one hundred and eighty-seven additions by letters, and the 
entire membership one thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
seven, are reported in the minutes. Seven of the ministers 
were new pastors — B. H. Webster, Bristol ; M. Sanford, 
1st Chicago; J. K Tolman, Plainfield, who was ordained 
the following August; J. Foster, Fairfield; S. G. Hunt, 
Somonauk and Little Rock, now Sandwich ; W. H. Rice, 
Tabernacle, Chicago, and P. Freeman, Little Fort. 

In view of the declension of religion throughout nearly 
the entire Association, the following resolution was passed ; 

" Resolved, That in view of the fact, that we have so 
few reports of conversions and baptisms, and so large a 
number of exclusions from our churches, we are called upon 
for the exercise of deep humiliation before God, and to re- 
newed faithfulness and devotedness in our Master's cause, 
and to increased efforts for the salvation of the souls of our 
dying fellow men." 

The Prudential Committee presented the following reso-. 
lutions, relating to the division of the Association, which 
were adopted : 

" 1st. Resolved, That the Association be divided, and 
that the division line commence at the east end of Wash- 
ington street, Chicago, running west to the western boun= 
dary of the Association. 

" 2d. Resolved, That the body north of the line be called 
the Northern Illinois! Association, and that the one south, be 
called the Fox River Association, and that the latter retain 
the present organization" 



40 HISTORY OF 

Hence, it is clear that the old Northern Association was 
neither dissolved nor disorganized by the division of the 
body; and that the Fox River Baptist Association is indeed 
but another name for the veritable old Northern Associa- 
tion, organized in 1835. 



CHAPTER SECOND. 

Jfritiision of the Association— ^-Anniversaries from 184=1 to 
1858, inclusive — /Statistical Tables — Recapitulatory and 
closing remarks. 

1847. 

The twelfth annual meeting of the Association was held 
at Plainfield, June 2d and 3d. Opening sermon by Brother' 
N. Warriner, from 1 Cor. 1 : 23, 24. I. Dudley, Moderator, 
and E. Hulbertj Clerk* 

Fourteen churches, twelve ministers, nine of whom were 
settled pastors \ ten baptized, nine hundred and twenty-one 
members. Ttbo fresh pastors ; A. Gross, Naperville, and 
S. P. Ives, Plainfield. 

This session consummated the division of the Old North- 
ern Association, at which time it took the name of 

THE FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION, 

according to a resolution passed at the preceding anniver^ 
sary. 

The Northern division of the body had previously held a 
meeting at Dundee} and assumed the name of 

THE CHICAGO ASSOCIATION. 

The Churches, Ministers, and Membership which remained 
in " the present (or old) organization" were as follows : — = 
Aurora, D. T. Graves, forty-two members ; Batavia,I. Dud^ 
ley, fifty-five ; Blackberry, — - — — - - — , forty ; Bristol, S» S* 



48 HISTORY Of 

Walker, (supply,) eighty-two ; Chicago, A. Edson, (supply,) 
one hundred and eighty-two j Lockport, S. Knapp, twenty- 
two ; Long Grove, (Pavilion,) J. F. Tolman, ninety-eight ; 
Naperville, A. Gross, thirty-six; Newark, M. Edwards, 

forty-one; O'Plain, (Hadley,) • , fifty -two; Paw 

Paw, N. Warriner, fifty-nine ; Plainfield, S. P. Ives, ninety- 
two ; Somonauk, (Sandwich,) S. G. Hunt, twenty; Warren- 

ville, , one hundred. 

The declension, of which mention has already been made, 
continued throughout all the churches. It was a day of 
gloom and thick darkness. 

1848. • 

The thirteenth annual session was held with the 1st Bap- 
tist Church, Chicago, June, 7th and 8th, at which time the 
church was holding a protracted meeting, assisted by Bro< 
J. Knapp. Though this meeting contributed much to the 
pleasantness and interest of the session, yet it shortened the 
time for transacting business, in consequence of which it 
was very imperfectly done. 

Introductory sermon by Brother Miner, Agent of the B. 
M. Union, from Isa. 49 : 6. Brother J, F. Tolman, Mode- 
rator, and Brother L. D. Boone> Clerk. 

Two churches, Somonauk, (Sandwich,) and Paw Paw, 
were dismissed for the purpose of uniting with other chur- 
ches, to form the Ottawa Association. One new church 
was received-— Oswego, ten members ; also three new Pas- 
tors — Brother S. S. Walker, Long Grove, (Pavilion); A. Ed- 
son, Aurora ; and Z. Brooks, who had just been ordained 
pastor of Bristol Church. 

The minutes report fifteen churches, ten ministers, thirty* 
lour baptized, and nine hundred and seventy members. Of 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 4P 

those baptized, the church at Paw Paw had received sixteen, 
and Naperville church eight. 

The following resolution was passed : 

" Resolved, That we recommend to the members of the 
churches, composing this Association, to become members 
of the Fox River Bible Society, which was formed at Long 
Grove, (Pavilion,) November last, auxiliary to the A. and 
F. B. Society, and that the constitution of said Society be 
recommended for their adoption." 

A collection was then taken for the parent Society, and 

a considerable amount was subscribed for the Auxiliary So* 

ciety. 

1849. 

The fourteenth anniversary was held at Long Grove, 
(Pavilion) June 6th and 7th. Brother E. Tucker, of Chicago, 
preached the opening sermon from I Tim. 1 : 11. After 
which he was elected Moderator, and Brother A. Edson, 
Clerk. 

The church at Joliet, which became extinct, and was 
dropped in 1846, had been re-organized and was received 
into the Association at this session ; fourteen churches, ten 
ministers, six of whom commend their labors in this body 
during the preceding year, viz : E. Tucker, Chicago ; H. 
Hovey, Warrenville and Batavia ; F. W. Ingmyer, Joliet 
and Lockport ; C. D. Marvin, Kaneville ; S. Tucker, Napei> 
ville ; and N. Card, Newark. One hundred and fifty-three 
baptized, and nine hundred and fifty-nine members, 

The session was refreshing— a season of joy, of gladness, 
and of devout thanksgiving. The dark portentous cloud, 
that for nearly three years, had hung over the churches, was 
now broken and dissipated. The sun of righteousness again 
shone forth with genial rays ; and the spirit's power wm 



50 HISTORY OF 

realized in reviving drooping hopes and bringing sinners to 
repentance. Eight of the churches had enjoyed seasons of 
revival ; and large accessions were made to some of them 
by baptism. The church in Hadley was doubled in member- 
ship, having received forty-one by baptism and seven by 
letter. 

At the close of the session, June 7th, the Fox River Bible 
Society had its anniversary. The Constitution was so 
amended as to have the annual meeting on the first Tuesday 
of January, instead of following immediately at the close of 
the Association. The Society appears to have been in a 
prosperous condition at the time. But shortly after it be- 
came entire separated from the Association, it began to lan- 
guish, and in a few years became extinct. 

1850. 

The fifteenth annual meeting was held atXaperville, June 
oth and 6th. Introductory sermon by Brother Luther Stone, 
of Chicago, from Mat. 10 : 30. Brother S. Tucker of 
Xaperville, Moderator, and Brother L. Stone, Clerk. 

JBig lloch church was received with twenty members. 
Two new pastors; E. Scofield, Jr., Pavilion, and TV". Wil- 
liams, Big Rock. Filteen churches, eleven pastors, five 
ministers not in charge, one hundred baptized, one thousand 
and eight members. The 1st Church Chicago, Kaneville 
and Batavia, had been blessed with revivals, and some 
mercy drops had fallen on a few other churches. 

The following resolution was passed in memory of Judge 

Thomas, of Chicago. 

wv Mes&foed, That in the death of Brother Jesse B. Thomas,, 
who was summoned home in the full strength of manhood, 
and almost in the morning of useful christian life, Ave have 
bee*; bereft of one around whom our affections clumr with 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 51 

esteem and delight, and who was endeared to us by the ties 
which unite christian hearts in fellowship — that in this mys- 
terious dispensation, the cause of Christ has suffered a deep 
loss, which none but the Great Head of the Church can sup- 
ply — that we deeply sympathize with his afflicted family, 
and with the church of which he was a member." 

Brother Thomas was an example of piety and christian 
consistency. He was a Circuit Judge ; and was one of the 
few who never violated the law of the Sabbath by traveling 
on his circuit on that day ; but on the contrary, he habitu- 
ally spent it in devout attendance on divine service. 

1851. 

The Association held its sixteenth anniversary at Batavia, 
June 4th and 5th. Opening sermon by Brother S. P. Ives, 
of Plainfield, from Mat, 16 : 24. Brother S. Tucker, Naper- 
ville, Moderator, and Brother L. D. Boone, Chicago, Clerk. 

The church at Aurora " had dissolved." The names of 
five new pastors appear on the minutes : J. B. Dibell, Had- 
ley ; I. D. Newell, Batavia ; S. F. Holt, Warrenville ; J. 
Young, Pavilion ; J. Higby, Newark. Fourteen churches, 
sixteen ministers, twelve of whom were pastors ; one hund- 
red and two baptized ; one thousand and ninety-six members. 

The churches in Kaneville, Plainfield, "Warrenville, and 
1st church Chicago, had enjoyed revivals, and some mercy 
drops had fallen on a few of the other churches in the body. 

1852. 

The seventeenth annual meeting of the Association was 
held at Newark, June 2d and 3d. 

Brother S. Tucker preached the introductory sermon from 
Philip. 1: 21, He also served as Moderator, and Brother 
S. P. Ives, Clerk. 

The church at Downer's Grove was received, thirty-four 



52 HISTORY OF 

members ; Brother S, F. Holt, pastor. The church at Au- 
rora, having been reorganized, was received at this session 
with twenty-one members, I. D. Newell, pastor. There 
were sixteen churches, twelve ministers, eight of whom 
were pastors, two licentiates, one hundred and sixty-nine 
baptized, one thousand two hundred and twenty-two mem- 
bers, Eleven of the churches received accessions by bap- 
tism. The 1st church Chicago, and Oswego church en- 
joyed powerful revivals. The former had the labors of Bro. 
J. Knapp, in a protracted effort, and the latter the labors of 
Brother A. Estee, in a similar meeting. 
The death of Dr. Ives is thus chronicled. 

Resolved, That in the death of Dr. I. S. Ives of Oswego, 
a member with us of the last Association, whose lively in- 
terest in all our benevolent societies, endeared him greatly 
to all our hearts, the Zion of God has lost a true friend, and 
that we offer our sincere condolence to the church and the 
bereaved friends. 

1853. 

The eighteenth anniversary was held at Aurora, June 1st 
and 2d. Opening sermon by Brother J. Higby, of Newark, 
from Heb. 9 : latter clause of the 22 d verse. Brother R. B. 
Ashley of Plainfield, Moderator, and Deacon D. Haigh, 
Clerk. Seventeen churches, eleven ministers, of whom nine 
were pastors ; one licentiate ; one hundred and forty-one 
baptized ; one thousand four hundred and twenty members. 
The name of one church was stricken out, viz : Joliet ; and 
two churches were received at this session, Somonauk, 
Sandwich. This church was dismissed to the Ottawa As- 
sociation in 1848, and now returned to this body because 
the construction of a railroad through the village rendered 
it more convenient to attend the anniversaries in this, than 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION". 53 

in the Ottawa Association. Joliet is the name of the other 
church which was admitted, concerning the admission of 
which I find the following resolution : 

" Besolved, That the name of the old " Joliet Church," 
be struck from the minutes of this Association." 

" That the application of the new Joliet Church for admis- 
sion be received as the " First Baptist Church in Joliet," 

This is the third time that a Joliet Church has been receiv- 
ed into the Association. 

Three new pastors ; Brother J. F. Child, who was ordain- 
ed the preceding February, and had charge of two churches, 
Lockport and Joliet. Brother W. M. Haigh, Pavilion, 
where he was ordained the following November ; and Bro. 
J. C. Burroughs, 1st Church, Chicago. 

From the time this Association united with the General 
Association in 1846, until this year, there appears to have 
been less interest manifested in Home and Domestic Mis- 
sions than formerly. Nor is it very surprising that it was 
so, since the union was more a matter of necessity, than of 
choice, as stated under date of 1845. 

At the present session a becoming zeal tor Home Missions 
was manifested ; the subject seems to have been viewed in 
a new light, at least with a much deeper and more lively in- 
terest, than it had been for several years. And it is truly 
gratifying to be able to add that there is no abatement, but 
rather an increase of zeal and liberality in the promotion of 
this good cause. A plan was adopted to add $200 to what 
had already been contributed to aid the General Association 
in prosecuting this work in which it was engaged, as may 
be seen from the following resolution : 

" Resolved, That while we pre deeply grateful for the 



-54 HISTORY OF 

aid h eretofore furnished to the churches of this State, by 
the A. B. H. Missionary Society, and must for years to come 
depend on that Society to aid us in fostering the feeble 
churches extended over our wide extended State ; we yet 
feel that it is high time for Illinois to do something for itself, 
independent of foreign aid ; and that for this purpose the 
General Association is designed and adopted, and ought to 
be put in possession of means for prosecuting this work ; 
that therefore this Association endeavor to secure 8200 for 
the Treasury of the General Association, between this and 
its annual meeting next October ; and that the Pastors be 
requested to present the subject to their several charges ; 
and to raise from each, its proportion of the amount." 

Whereas, Brother Stone had failed to issue his weekly 
sheet for a considerable length of time ; therefore the sub- 
ject was brought up, and the following resolutions passed: 

" JResolved, That the Association ask Brother Stone to 
propose the lowest terms on which he will dispose of the 
" Watchman of the Prairies," and that a committee be ap- 
pointed to examine such proposition, and to negotiate the 
purchase of the paper, by some person who will furnish the 
denomination with a good-paper at an early day." 

" JResolved, That Elder J. C. Burroughs, and brethren O. 
Wilson, Dr. Anderson, A. D. Tittsworth, and Dr. L. D. 
Boone, be constituted a committee, to cany into effect the 
provisions of the above resolution." The committee report- 
ed at the next session as follows : 

" The Committee to negotiate with Elder L. Stone at last 
Association, reported that they had completed the purchase 
of the paper from Rev. L. Stone, and had transfered the 
same to Revs. L. Church and J. A. Smith," whereby they 
became proprietors and editors of the paper, which they 
issue under the name of the " Christian Times." When 
the foregoing report was made, (1854,) the Association 
passed resolutions highly commendatory of the " Christian 
Times," and of Brother Stone, the late proprietor and edi- 



FOX BITER ASSOCIATION. o£f 

tor of the " Watchman of the Prairies" for " furnishing the 
denomination with a medium of communication, for more 
than five years, when the difficulties in the way to such an 
enterprise were great and the encouragements few" — diffi- 
culties that crushed the " North-Western Baptist" in less 
than three, aud occasioned the setting of the " Western 
Star" in two years. 

1854. 

The nineteenth annual meeting was held at Oswego, June 
7th and 8th. Brother Raymond of Chicago, preached the 
introductory sermon from Mat. 27: 19. Brother S. Tucker, 
Moderator, and Deacon I). Haigh, Clerk. 

One new church ; Momense, twenty-eight members. It 
was organized in December, 1852, with sixteen members. 
Five new pastors are reported : W. Morse, Plainfield ; J. 
M. Cochran, Batavia; A. D. Freeman, Warrenville and 
Downer's Grove; C. Button, Aurora; and B. Hicks, Big 
Rock. Eighteen churches, twenty-five ministers, of whom 
only twelve were pastors ; four licentiates ; fifty-six baptized: 
one thousand five hundred and sixteen members. 

"Rev. Elisha Tucker, D. D., departed this life on the 29th 
of December, 1853, at the residence of his son in Cumber- 
land, Md." His death was very respectfully noticed by the 
Association, as appears from the following appropriate reso- 
lutions, which were taken separately and adopted, viz : 

Resolved, 1st. That in view of the death of our venerated 
and beloved brother, Rev. Elisha Tucker, whose decease 
has again been brought to our minds by the reading of the 
letter from the Chicago church, of which he was a member, 
we feel called upon to record our sense of the loss which 
tins Association has sustained in removing one whose coun- 
sels always led to harmony, whose voice inspired to duty, 



06 HISTORY OF 

and whose examples as a faithful and devoted minister of 
Jesus is worthy of all imitation. 

Resolved, That in this afflictive Providence, one of the 
brightest lights of the church has been extinguished; a light 
which shed its radiance far and wide, leading many from 
the darkness of sin and death, to the glories of life eternal; 
a light which though extinct on earth, has been relit to shine 
forever in the paradise of God. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the bereaved 
family in the loss they have sustained, a loss which hearts 
thus smitten can alone feel, but which no mere words can 
adequately express. 

The following resolutions were adopted in relation to Do- 
mestic Missions: 

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed, consisting of 
Brethren J. C. Burroughs, J. D. Cole, and R. C. Anderson, 
to mature the views of this body, on the importance of a 
thorough entrance of the denomination in the State upon a 
system of Domestic Missions; which Committee afterwards 
reported as follows, and report adopted, viz: 

Your Committee are of the opinion that the time has fully 
come when the Baptists, as a body of Christians in Illinois 
will be recreant to their duty to delay longer an earnest 
commencement of a system of efficient Domestic Missions. 
Fields, ripe and ready for our successful occupancy, are 
opening all over the State, and to delay longer is to lose the 
opportunities which God is now placing before us ; and it 
is the deliberate judgment of your Committee that the prop- 
er body in which the strength of our brotherhood in the 
State, should be concentrated in this enterprize, is the Gen- 
eral Association. Therefore the Committee present the 
following Resolutions for the adoption of the Association : 

Resolved, That it is the deliberate opinion of this Asso- 
ciation, that the present condition of our State as to its 
religious wants, in the Providence of God, imperatively 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 57 

demands that a system of Domestic Missions be immedi- 
ately originated by the Baptists of Illinois. 

Resolved, That it is the judgment of this body that our 
General Association is the appropriate organization to con- 
duct this enterprize, and that full arrangements should be 
perfected without further delay at its session the coming 
autumn for a vigorous commencement and prosecution of 
Domestic Missions by that body. 

Resolved, That ^his Association pledges to the General 
Association, its co-operation in this enterprise. 

Resolved, That a Committee be now appointed by the 
body to draw out a plan of Domestic Missionary operations, 
and submit the same to our Delegation to the General As- 
sociation for their approval ; which, if they give, then said 
delegation are hereby instructed to present it to that body 
for then* consideration. 

Resolved, That the following brethren be appointed a 
Committee to carry out the business contained in the last 
resolution, viz : Elders J. C. Burroughs, J. D. Cole y S. Tuck- 
er, J. A. Smith, and Deacon Hoard. 

At the meeting of the General Association the following 
autumn, Elder J. Clark of Rockford was appointed General 
Agent and Superintendent of Missions for Illinois. He 
entered upon his agency, prosecuted it with great vigor and 
success. From that time Domestic Missions have prospered 
under the fostering care of that body. It is with pleasure 
that we are able to add that this Association generously sus- 
tains the General Association ; and is thus redeeming its 
pledge to co-operate with it in this enterprise, 

1855. 
The twentieth annual meeting was held at Loekport, Juno 
6th and 7th, Opening sermon by Brother J. C. Burroughs 
of Chicago, from Isa. 53 : 11. Brother S. Tucker, Modera- 
tor, and Deacon D, Haigh, Clerk 



# 

5S HISTOIiY OF 

Two new churches were received at this session — 3/orris* 
gathered by Brother Freeman, a Missionary of the General 
Association. It was organized in October 1854, with ten 
members. It had increased to nineteen members when it 
was received. Twelve Mile Grove, (Willingford,) organized 
October 2d, 1854, with nine members. 

Seven fresh pastors— C. H. Smith, Plainfield ; W. D, 
Clark, Joliet and Lockport ; J. F. Lathrop, Kaneville ; O. 
E. Clark, Newark ; C. Garrison, Downer's Grove ; W, 
Storrs, Momense ; W. G. Johnson, Morris. Brethren C. H. 
Smith and 0. E. Clark were ordained to the work of the 
Gospel ministry during this year. 

Twenty churches; twenty-six ministers, of whom fifteen 
were pastors ; one hundred and twenty-eight baptized, and 
a total membership of one thousand five hundred and forty- 
eight. 

1856. 

The twenty-first annual meeting was held at Kaneville, 
June 5th and 6th. The introductory sermon by Brother C, 
Button of Aurora, from Phil. 1: 21. Brother J. C. Bur- 
roughs, Moderator, and Brother J. C. Smith, Clerk ; both 
of Chicago. 

Three new churches were received — Little Kock, Kendall 
Co., ten members ; Norman, Grundy Co., twenty-six mem- 
bers, of whom nine had been added by baptism ; and Ger- 
man church, Somonauk, DeKalb Co., eleven members, six 
of whom had been added by baptism. 

Six new pastors: W. G. Howard, 1st Chicago; N, Al- 
vorcl, Sandwich; E. Gale, Pavilion; N. F. Ravlin, Newark ^ 
D. S. Starr, Big Rock ; C. A. West, Somonauk, German, 
Eighty-two baptized ; one thousand five hundred and thirty- 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. !>ti 

three members; twenty -three churches; fourteen pastors, 
and eight ministers without charge. 

After extending the usual invitation to visiting brethren 
to take a seat with the body ; " Rev. Mr. Close, pastor of 
the Methodist Church in Kaneville, was invited to sit with 
the Association and participate in its deliberations." 

" It having been announced to the Association, that the 
Fox River Congregational Union have signified a desire to 
open a correspondence with us, and have appointed a dele- 
gate to represent them at this meeting, it was voted that we 
respond to their overture, and that Rev. Charles H. Smith 
be our delegate at their next meeting." 

A collection and subscription were taken to raise $150 
for Brother West, (German,) to be applied to that purpose 
by the Board of the General Association. 

1857. 

The twenty-second Anniversary was held at Sandwich, 
DeKalb Co., June 3d and 4th. Opening sermon by Brother 
C. Garrison, from John 15, second clause of the 5th verse. 
Brother S. A. Estee of Aurora, Moderator, and Deacon D. 
Haigh of Specie Grove, Cleik. 

Two new churches were added — Edina Place, Chicago, 
organized October 30th 1856, with nineteen members, 
chiefly from the 1st Church; sixteen baptized ; fifty -five ad- 
ded by letter ; one excluded ; one died ; making the number 
ninety when received into the Association. R. Boyd, 
Pastor. 

JSomonauk, at Somonauk Depot, DeKalb Co., organized 
February 25th ; B. Hicks, pastor ; eighteen members when 
organized, and the same number when admitted into the 
Association. 



60 HISTORY OF 

Seven fresh Pastors were joyfully greeted at this session: 
Elders R. Boyd, Edina Place, Chicago; H. Westcott, War- 
renville ; H. B. Foskett, Joliet ; W. M. Bassett, Sandwich ; 
J. Sell, Momence ; A. C. Manley, Norman ; and E. P. Bar- 
ker, Naperville. 

Aggregate, twenty-five churches ; twenty-nine ministers, 
of whom twenty-one were pastors; one hundred and nine- 
teen baptized, and one thousand seven hundred and fifty- 
four members, 

1858, 

The twenty-thhd anniversary was held at Plainfield, June 
2d and 3d; a village of about 1,200 inhabitants, Will Co. 
Opening sermon by Pastor Boyd, Edina Place Church, 
Chicago, from Mat, 1 : 21. Pastor Raymond of the Union 
Church, Aurora, Moderator ; Deacon D. Haigh, Specie 
Grove, Clerk. Twenty churches ; twenty-one pastors ; four 
hundred and' twenty-three baptized. Total membership in 
all the twenty-eight churches, two thousand three hundred 
and thirty-three ; eleven ministers without charge, and one 
licentiate. 

Three new churches were added to the body at this ses- 
sion : Evanston, organized April 28th, 1858, with six mem- 
bers, Brother J. C. Burroughs, minister. Union, Aurora, 
organized June 2d 1857, with twenty-seven members, dis- 
missed from the Aurora Church for that purpose. Altera- 
tions : added by baptism forty -nine, by letter thirty, by ex- 
perience seven ; dismissed two ; died one ; making one hun- 
dred and nine when admitted. L. Raymond, pastor. Lis- 
bon, organized January 28th of the present year, with twenty- 
nine members, most of whom were dismissed from Newark 
church for that purpose ; eight had been added by letter ; 






FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. *>!■ 

one by experience; one died; making a total of thirty-seven 
members when received into the Association. K F. Ifcav- 
lin, pastor. 

Five fresh pastors : E. Savage, Joliet ; E. W. Benton, 
Norman ; L. Raymond, Union, Aurora ; R. A. Clapp, Os- 
wego, where he had been recently ordained; and W. M, 
Haigh, Bristol. 

The attendance was fair, considering the extreme badness 
of the roads, which, by the falling of copious showers of 
rain for several weeks immediately preceding the session, 
were rendered worse than they had been at any of the anni- 
versaries of the body since 1844, at which time they were 
nearly impassable. 

The tidings brought by the letters and messengers from 
nearly all of the churches, were of the most cheering char- 
acter. Nineteen of them reported accessions by baptism. 
Four were not reported, so that only two of the twenty- 
four letters which were read failed to give intelligence of 
baptisms ; the aggregate of which exceeded the accessions 
reported at any former session. A larger number, however, 
in proportion to the population, was added to the churches 
by baptism in 1843, when 354 were baptized; 

Rev. J. C. Burroughs, of Chicago, presented the following 
resolution of thanksgiving, which was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That while convened in our annual session, 
where we have often met to mourn over spiritual desolations, 
it would be deep ingratitude in us not to remember, and 
here to Hit up before God our sacrifice of thanksgiving to 
God, for that precious out-pouring of his Spirit, with which 
the churches of this Association, in common with the Church 
of our land generally, have been visited during the past 
winter ; and while the commercial interests of our country 
are prostrated, and the clouds which overspread the heav- 



62 HISTORY OF 

ens and are drenching our country with floods and cutting 
off the hopes of the husbandman, are but the symbol of the 
cloud of gloom which in temporal things overhangs us, we 
will still rejoice and be deeply grateful for that great bles- 
sing which is better than when the corn and the wine are 
increased. 

Hesolved, That in view of the intimate connection be- 
tween the blessed revivals of the last winter and the prayers 
of God's people, we will take new heart to pray, and will 
observe as in other years, the first Monday in January, a 
day memorable in many of our churches for the manifesta- 
tions of God's special presence, as a day of fasting and 
prayer for the reviving and converting influences of the 
Spirit of God. And may the coming year be in converting 
grace as this, and still more abundantly. 






FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 



63 



TABLE I. 

The following table shows the names of the ministers who 
have been settled Pastors in the Association ; the names of 
the churches of which they were pastors ; the time of their 
becoming such ; the number of years they labored with the 
churches, while said churches remained members of this 
body ; also the time of their removal, (of such as have re- 
moved,) or exclusion, or death, as far as we have been able 
to learn these facts : 







c3 


r6 


i rtJ 




THE FORMER &\ NAMES OF 


§ t 


-d s 


> ; "3 




PRESENT NAME! pastoks . 


as 


o o 


o s 




OF CHURCHES. 


o o3 


© CJ 


o X 




! . 


QQP^l 


ft H 


P 


OTlain, ... J, E. Ambrose, 


1834 


! 




now J. G. Porter, 


1835 


2 1837: 




Hadley. A. W. Button, 


1839 


2 |1841 






S. Knapp, 


1841 


3 


1844 






S. Knapp 3 


1849 


1 


1850 






J. B. Dibell, 


1851 










1st Chicago,. , . A. B. Freeman, 


1833 


1 






1834 


J. F. Hinton, 


1835 


7 


1842 






C. B. Smith, 


1842 


1 


1843 






E. H. Hamlin, 


1844 


2 


1846 






M. Sanford, 


1846 


1 


1847 




Dec. 2 9 


E. Tucker, 


1849 


3 




J 


J. C. Burroughs 


1853 


3 


1856 


I 


1853 


W. G. Howard, 


1856 










1st DuPage,. . . A. B. Hubbard, 


1834 


5 


1^39 






L. B. King, 


1839 


1 


1840 






Plainfield,.. , ,, . J. E. Ambrose, 


1834 


4 


1838 






R. B. Ashley, 


1838 


4 


1842 






S. Knapp, 


1843 


1 


1844 






|R. B. Ashley, 


1844 


2 


1846 






U.-N. Tolman, 


1846 


1 


1847 






S. P. Ives, 


1847 


6 


1853 






IR. B. Ashlev, 


1853 


1 


1854 







U 



HISTORY. OF 









c3 


TS 


f$ 




THE FORMER & 


NAMES OF 


I s 




> 


^d 




PRESENT NAME 


PASTORS. 




o> o 

£ m 


O 


"a 


T3 . 
© 


OF CHURCHES. 






0} c3 
02 P-l 


P3 




s 


Plainfield 


W. Morse, 


1854 


1 


1855 








C. H. Smith, 


1855 


1 


1856 








A. D. Freeman, 


1856 










Long Grove . . . 


J. F. Tolman, 


1834 


9 


1843 






now 


J. Scofield, 


1843 


3 


1846 






Bristol. 


B. H. Webster, 


1846 


1 


1847 








Z. Brooks, 


1848 


2 


1850 








J. Young, 


1852 


4 


1856 








W. M. Haigh, 


1858 










Little Woods, . . 


D. W. Elmore, 


1836 


2 


1838 






then 


J. E. Ambrose, 


1838 


2 


1840 






Charleston, 


Jas. T. Wheeler 


1841 


1 


1842 






now 


D. W. Elmore, 


1842 


1 


1843 






St. Charles. 


M. L. Wisner, 
I. Dudley, 


1844 
1845 


1 
1 


1845 






Vermillinville,. . 


Thos. Powell, 


1836 


1 








Big Woods,. . . 


Elder King, 












now 


J. E. Ambrose, 


1838 


1 


1839 




Batavia. 


D. T. Graves, 


1839 


4 


1843i 






R. R. Whittier, 


1843 












M. L. Wisner, 


1844 


1 


1845 








I. Dudley, 


1845 


3 


1848 








M. L. Wisner, 


1848 


1 


1849 








H. Hovey, 


1850 


1 


1851 








I. D. Newell, 


1851 


1 


1852! 






J. M. Cochran, 


1854 








Jackson's Grove 
Belvidere, 




1836 








si S. Whitman,' 


1836 


4 


1839 \ 
1841; ( 


Sep. 1 
1851 


2d DuPage, 

now 


D. T. Graves, 
A. B. Hubbard, 


1838 
1839 


1 

2 


Warrenville, 


J. Wheeler, 
A. J. Joslyn, 


1841 


2 


1843 




' 


1843 


1 


1844| 






P. Taylor, 


1845 


2 


1847 






H. Hovey, 


1849 


2 


1851 






F. S. Holt, 


1851 


2 


1853 







FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 



65 











r& 


rp 




THE FORMER & 


NAMES OF 




T3 U 


CD 


CD 




PRESENT NAME 


PASTORS. 


CU O 


O 

a 


"o 


*6 


OF CHURCHES. 




<V C3 


© c5 


<B 


X 


UiV 






WPh 


gqPh 


04 


W 


p 


Warren ville, . . . 


A. D. Freeman, 

— Half, 
H. Westcott, 


1854 
1855 

1857 


1 


1855 






Upper OTlain. 


J. Wheeler, 


1837 


4 


1841 








A. W. Button, 


1841 


4 


1845 








J. Wheeler, 




— 








Joliet, 


R. B. Ashley, 


1837 


3 


1840 








S. Knapp, 


1840 


1 


1841 








F. W. Ingmyer, 


1849 


3 


1852 






v 


J. F. Childs, 


1853 


2 


1855 








W. D. Clark, 


1855 


1 


1856 








H. B. Foskett, 


1857 


1 


1858 








E. Savage, 


1858 










Prophet's Town 
Rochester, Ws. 




1837 












1837 
1839 


1 


1840 






Lake Zurich,. . . 


J. Wheeler,' ' 






J. Sears, 


1840 


1 


1841 








C. Barnes, 


1843 


2 


1845 








M. Brittian, 


1845 


1 


1846 








J. Wheeler, 




- — 








Elgin 


J. E. Ambrose, 
A. J. Joslyn, 


1838 
1844 


6 

2 


1844 






McHenry 


J. Wheeler, 
C. Barnes, 


1838 
1842 


4 
4 


1842 






Dundee and 


D. W. Elmore, 


1838 


2 


1840 






Adam, now 


J. E. Ambrose, 


1840 


3 


1843 






Dundee. 


P. Freeman, 


1844 


1 


1845 








M. L. Wisner, 


1845 


1 


1846 






Crystal Lake, . . 


J. Wheeler, 


1839 


2 


1841 








A. Pease, 


1842 


1 


1843 








P. Freeman, 


1844 


1 


1845 








0. Adams, 


1845 


1 


1846 






Fairfield, 


D. W. Elmore, 


1839 


1 


1840 








L. B. King, 


1840 


2 


1842 






J. S. King, 


1842 


1 


1843 







J* 



HISTORY OF 



THE FORMER & 

PRESENT NAME 

OF CHURCHES. 



NAMES OF 
PASTORS. 





:c 




c3 


§ 6 


-« £ 


5 O O O 


^ c5 l 3 c5 


M^ddPlh 



A3 

> 



Fairfield, IJ. Blake, 

North East |A. W. Button 

Paw Paw Grove C. Hardin, 

N. Warriner, 
Bloomingdale,. . 



J. Wheeler, 
W. Dickens, 
A. S. Brayuian, 
N. Warriner, 
S. G. Hunt, 



Union Ridge, . . 
Upper Sonion- 

auk, then 
Somonauk and|J. Higbey, 
Little Rock,then J. Young, 
Somonauk, jj. Higbey, 
now IN. Alvord, 

Sandwich. |W. M. Bassett, 

Montelona |R. R. Whittier, 

Blackberry |S. Poley, 

R. R, Whittier, 
C. D. Marvin, 
Z. Brooks, 
J. F. Lathrop, 
R. B. Ashley, 
A. Gross, 
S. Tucker, 
E. P. Barker, 
W. H. Rice, 
J. F. Tolman, 
S. S. Walker, 
E. Scofield, Jr. 
J. Young, 
W. 11 Haigh, 
E. G?le, 
M. Edwards, 
J. F Tolman, 
M. Edwards, 
N. Card, 



now 
Kaneville. 



Naperville 



Tabernacle, Chi. 
Long Grove, . . . 
now 
Pavilion. 



Newark 



1844 

1841 

1841 

1843 

1841 

1845 

1845 

1843 

1846 

1852 

1853 

1855 

1856 

1857 

1845 

1843 

1845 

1849 

1850 

1855 

1844 

1847 

1849 

1857 

1846 

1844 

1848 

1849 

1851 

1853 

1856 

1844 

1845 

1846J 

1860| 



1845 
1844 



1842 



1846 
1851 
1853 
1854 
1856 
1857 



1844 
1846 
1850 



1846 
1849 
1856 
1858 

1848 

1851 
1853 
1856 



1843 



1853 



1849 



1 11845 



1846 
1849 
1851 



FOX E1VER ASSOCIATION". 



67 









c3 


T3 


13 




THE FORMER & 


NAMES OF 


II 




CO 






PRESENT NAME 


PASTORS. 


a> o 
> •** 


O 


J3 


H3 


OF CHURCHES. 




CD CS 


ccPh 






P 


Newark, 


J. Higbey, 


1851 


4 


1855 








0. E. Clark, 


1855 


1 


1856 








N. F. Ravlin, 


1856 


2 


1858 






East Prairie, . . . 


W. N. Button, 


1845 


1 








Aurora, 


J. Blake, 


1844 
1845 


1 
3 


1845 

1848 








D. T. Graves, 






A. Edson, 


3 848 


2 


1850 








I. D. Newell, 


1851 


2 


1853 








C. Button, 


1854 










Lockport, 


S. Knapp, 


1844 


5 


1849 








F. W. Ingmyer, 


1849 


2 


1851 








S. Knapp, 


1851 


1 


1852 








J. F. Child, 


1853 


2 


1855 








W. D. Clark, 


1855 


2 


1857 






Babcocks Grove 




1845 
1845 
1845 










Union Grove, . . 






Albion 






Little Fort, 






Waukegan, 


P. Freeman, 


1846 










Washington,. . . 




1849 


3 


1852 






Oswego 


A. Edson, 






S. P. Ives, 


1852 


1 


1853 








A. Edson, 


1853 


3 


1856 








D. S. Starr, 


1856 


1 


1857 








R. A. Clapp, 


1858 










Big Rock, 


W. Williams, 


1850 


2 


1852 








B. Hicks, 


1854 


1 


1855 








D. S. Starr, 


1856 


2 


1858 






Downer's Grove 


F. S. Holt, 


1851 


2 


1853 








A. D. Freeman, 


1854 


1 


1855 








C. Garrison, 


1855 


3 


1858 








E. P. Barker, 


1858 










Momence, |W. Storrs, 


1855 


1 


1856 






P. Cell, 


1857 










12 Mile Grove,. 


J. B. Dibell, 


1855 


1 


1856 







68 



HISTORY Of 



THE FORMER & 

PRESENT NAME 

OF CHURCHES. 



NAMES OF 
PASTORS. 



c3 


r— ' 


T3 




<D 


o 


r* |^ 


> 


nd 


<a o 


O 


£3 


r a: 


a 


u 




o 


« 


72 Ph 


PS 


W 


1 


1856 




1 


185*7 




1 


1858 




1 


1858 





Morris, 



AY 
W 
B. 

D - 

A. 

|G. 
Somonauk, Ger.jC. 

EdinaPlace,ChiR. 



Little Rock. 
Norman, . . . 



Somonauk, 

Evanston, 

Lisbon, 

Union, Aurora, 



B. 



. G. Johnsou,jl855 

. D. Clark, 

Hicks, 

S. Starr, 

C. Manley, 

W. Benton, 

West, 

Boyd, 

Hicks, 



F. Ravlin, 
Raymond, 



|1857 
J1856 
1857 
1857 
1858 
1856 
1857 
1857 
1858 
1858 
]858 



The above table has been compiled from Minutes of the 
Association. It can hardly be expected to be faultless ; but 
is probably as correct as could be made from sources so lim- 
ited and imperfect. 

In referring to it, let it be borne in mind that the dates 
are made to agree with Associational years, which include 
a part of two civil years, and end with the session in June, 
or nearly seven months before the civil year of the same date. 

The table shows 93 ministers have labored as Pastors in 
the Association; that they have performed about 240 years 
of Pastoral labor; that there have been 167 changes of 
Pastors ; that the average term of Pastoral labor is but a 
fraction over IV months ; that the longest term with one 
church is nine years, and the shortest, one month ; and that 
there are more than 70 terms of a single year or less than a 
year. . 

When the name of a Pastor is followed by a dash ( — ) in 
the column, headed, " Served as Pastors," it denotes that 
his time of service was less than a year. 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 



69 



TABLE II. 

The preceding table, (ISTo. 1,) contains "both the original 
and present names of the churches. This the present only; 
the time, and membership when organized ; and when re- 
ceived into the Association ; the number of years connected 
with it ; the whole number added by baptism, and from 
all sources ; the number dismissed, dropped, excluded, and 
died : also the present number as far as these facts are known. 

N. B. Churches marked thus f formed the Chicago Asso- 
ciation in 1847. 





•"C 


Z 




V 


z 

0> 
















NAMES 




5 


5 


'Z 




ST 


13 












OF THE 


5 


O 


■ t 


t 




x> 


g 










5 


CHURCHES. 


C 


a 




Z 


- 


K 
^ 


3 


T3 


tS 


<u 




c 




6 

25 






o 


< 


< s 


s 

s 






o 
Q 


K2 


Hadley, 


1833 


12 


1835 


u 


23 


100 


208 


87 


17 


49 


14 


53 


1st Chicago, 


1833 


15 


1835 


40 


23 


575 


1290 


520 


115 


103 


37 


530 


1st DuPage, 


1834 


6 


1835 


34 


M) 


28 


53 


9 




1 


3 




Plainfield, 


1.-34 


5 


1835 


P-' 


23 


164 


300 


125 


20 


32 


12 


118 


Bristol. 


1834 


6 


1836 


29 


22 


150 


337 


148 


3 


67 


27 


98 


t St. Charles, 


1835 


10 


1836 


22 


10 


8 


108 


48 




3 


1 




Vermillionville, 


1835 


15 


1836 


15 


1 


2 


2 












Bat a via, 


1836 


13 


1836 


12 


22 


87 


217 


68 





55 


21 


86 


Jackson's Grove, 


1836 


5 


1836 


6 




1 


1 












Belvidere, 


1836 


13 


lb36 


13 


\ 


19 


107 


4 






2 




■\v,irrenville. 


1836 


22 


1836 


22 


22 


157 


295 


116 


29 


50 


23 


77 


t Upper 0' Plain, 


1837 


H) 


1837 


10 


9 


24 


47 


12 




3 


2 




Joliet, 


1837 


12 


1837 


12 


9 


14 


48 


33 










Joliet, 






1849 


15 


3 


1 


16 


9 










Joliet, 


1853 


13 


1853 


15 


5 


4 


66 


23 


2 




3 


51 


Prophet's Town, 


1837 
























Rochester, 


1837 








1 
















t Lake Zurich, 


1837 


13 


1838 


14 


9 


7 


45 


27 




8 


1 




t Elgin, 


1838 


13 


1838 


13 


8 


113 


242 


35 




13 


5 




1 Mc Henry, 


1838 


20 


1838 


20 


8 




14 


7 




6 


3 




t Dundee, 


1838 


13 


1838 


13 


8 


52 


108 


14 




7 


2 




f Crystal Lake, 


1839 


17 


1839 


17 


7 


19 


80 


24 




8 


5 




Fairfield, 


1839 


13 


1839 


13 


7 


12 


44 


16 




2 


4 




t North East, 


1841 


19 


1841 


21 


5 


34 


58 


7 




2. 


1 





70 



HISTORY OF 



» AMES 


1'- 


« 


* 
'5 


e 

2 




o 

X 

13 










1 


OF THE 


c3 


5 


'? 


2 


I 


pfi 


£ 


. 








a 

3 


CHURCHES. 


5 


2 


O 






>> 


£ 


o 
a; 


. -6 


S 




i 






* 


P 


% 


~. 


t3 


SB 


"1 


c 
p. 


,5 


~? 


i 




$ 


o 

£ 


$ 


c 


"z. 


< 


-O K 

<3 o 


2 


O 


K 


Q 


2 
ft 


Pa^v Paw Grove, 


1841 


17,1841 


14 


7 


46 


90 


12 




11 


3 




t Bloomingdale, 


1841 




1841 


2* 


5 


19 


28 


8 




2 


1 




t Union Ridge, 






1842 


14 


4 


3 


5 


2 






1 




Sandwich, 


1843 


7 


1843 


" 


15; 86 


180 


45 





7 


10 


118 


t Montelona, 


1842 


13 


1843 


24 


3 14 


50 


6 






2 




Kaneville, 




1U 


1*43 


15 


15 73 


160 


52 


36 


2 


6 


79 


Xaperville, 


1843 


6 


1844 


29 


14 74 


162 


49 


31 


23 


17 


48 


t Tabernacle, Chicago. 


1843 


62 


1844108 


2 22 


108 


28 




i2 


3 




Pavilion, 


1844 


44 


1844 


66 


14 85 


193 


99 





32 


27 


79 


Newark, 


1844 


13 


1844 


23 


14104 


193 


76 


13 


20 


8 


89 


i East Prairie, 






1844 


14 


2 1 


6 












Aurora, 






1844 23 


6 





38 


9 




4 


4 




Aurora, 


1851 


18 


1852 


2: 


6 


177 


355 


140 


44 


21 


9 


159 


Lockporr, 


1844 


21 


1844 


33 


14 


30 


84 


29 


7 


8 


10 


51 


t Babcock's Grove, 






1845 


27 


1 





3 












Union Grove, 






1S45 


11 


1 





3 












t Albion, 






1845 


15 


1 


















t Waukegan, 


1846 


12 


1846 


17 





3 


5 












Washington, 






1*46 


18 





o 


I 


7 




2 


2 




Oswego, 


1848 


10 


1848 


10 


10 


42 


84 


38 


14 


7 


2 


33 


Big Rock, 


1850 10 


1850 


20 


8 


26 


44 


5 


4 


2 


2 


41 


Downer's Grove, 


1851 




1852, 


34 


6 


24 


50 


13 


3 


3 


2 


63 


Momence, 


1852 


16 


1854 


28 


4 


18 


47 


9 


3 


1 


5 


57 


Twelve Mile Grove, 


1854 


9 


1855 


10 


3 


4 


19 


8 





1 


2 


18 


Morris, 


1854 


10 


1855 


19 


3 6 


65 


17 


1 




3 


54 


Little Rock, 




10 


1856 


10 


2 4 


10 


3 


1 






IS 


Norman, 




13 


1856 


20 


2| 33 


52 


1 





1 




63 


German, 


1855 


5 


1856 


11 


3 11 


15 


3 


2 






15 


Edina Place, Chicago, 


1856 


19 


1857 


90 


1 63 


161 


18 





1 


1 


160 


Somonauk, 


1857 




1857 


18 


1 '2 


10 


1 


5 






22 


Evanston, 


1858 


6 


1858 


6 


o 






1 






6 


Union, Aurora, 


1857 


27 


i85e 


109 


0| 49 


86 


9 






1 


109 


Lisbon, 


1858 


29 


1858 


37 


ol 


9 




1 




1 


37 



From the above table it appears that 

Fifty-four Churches have belonged to this Association, 
of which Aurora has been dissolved and organized once, 
and Joliet church twice : both are now members of 
the body, and in a prosperous condition. 






FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. Vl 

Two Churches have become extinct — 1st DuPage and 

Jackson's Grove. 
Four Churches have been dropped — Prophet's Town, Fair- 
field, "Washington, and Union Grove. Nothing more of 
their history is known to the writer. 
Four Churches have been dismissed to other Associations; 

Vermillionville, Rochester, Belvidere and Paw Paw. 
Sixteen Churches formed the Chicago Association, which 
was duly organized at Dundee, May 1847. The names 
of these churches are marked thus f in the table. 
Twenty-eight Churches now belong to Fox River Asso- 
ciation. 
The table also shows that 2,433 have been added to the 
churches by baptism, and 5,707 from all sources ; that the 
whole time the churches have existed, from their origin till 
June 1858, amounts to 426 years. The sum of the pastoral 
labor they have enjoyed during that time (as appears from 
table I.) amounts to about 240 years ; just as if one church had 
been organized 426 years, and had had a pastor only 240 years 
of that time, which is less than seven months per annum. 
If on the contrary, we reckon the time in which there was 
no pastoral labor performed, it will amount to an aggregate 
of 186 years, or more than five twelfths of the time. This 
great destitution has not been equalized among the church- 
es ; for while large ones'have been well supplied, small and 
feeble churches have been left to languish for the want Of 
pastoral labor. 

Note. — It appears from the Minutes of the Association, 
that the changes of membership reported by the churches 
from year to year, frequently disagree with former reports, 
and with the total number of members also. These discrep- 



,*2 HISTORY OF 

aiicies, in so far as they relate to churches now belonging 
to this body, are inserted in the column headed "dropped.' 
A cypher in that column denotes the reckoning to be cor- 
rect ; i. e., that the several alterations agree with the sum 
total or present number of members. The church at Auro- 
ra reported 44 dropped, and is therefore correct. The 1st 
Church Chicago has lost 115, of which only 52 are published, 
" dropped" in the minutes. Little Rock has gained one ; 
the other churches have lost the number indicated by the 
figures set opposite their names in said column, i. e. their 
present number is so much too small to agree with the pub- 
lished alterations, making a loss in the whole Association of 
223 members. 

• 'Although some of the discrej^encies may be owing to 
typographical errors, yet it is to be feared that the greatest 
number of them have arisen from carelessness in keeping a 
ltfit of names, and in making up reports to the Association ; 
for the returns of some of the churches frequently conflict 
with preceding ones. 



9XXo- 



RECAPITULATORY AND CLOSING REMARKS. 

Our description of the country arid its inhabitants is en- 
ded. The record of events in the history of this body is 
finished. The sketch comprehends the whole period from 
the time Brother Freeman stood alone, the only messenger 
of truth in our denomination in all Northern Illinois, to the 
present time. The first Baptist church he organized con- 
sisted of twelve members only. This little one has become 



FOX KIVER ASSOCIATION. 73 

h thousand. Or as may be said in allusion to Ezekiel's vis- 
ion of waters issuing out from under the threshold of the 
house ; it has become a river broad and deep ; a river that 
could not be passed over. 

In the introduction we glanced hastily over a much larger 
territory, than has ever been occupied by the Fox River 
Association, though the Convention that formed it intended 
it provisionally to embrace not Northern Illinois only, but 
the Wisconsin Territory and a part of Indiana. But as new 
churches were constituted in places remote from the centre 
of the body, other Associations were organized. Hence no 
church in Indiana, and only one in Wisconsin ever united 
with it. Three churches in this State far from the centre of 
the body were members of it ; but their connection with it 
svas of so short duration that neither of them is included 
within the following estimate of its limits. 

The Association has comprehended the following counties 
and parts of counties — Cook, Lake, McHenry, Boone, Du 
Page, Will, and Kendall, also a part of DeKalb, Grundy, 
and Kankakee. ' At the present time the Fox River and 
Chicago Associations, and a few of the churches connected 
with the Rock River Association, are within the bounds of 
the Old Northern Association as thus described. 

After examining and collating a large number of statis- 
tical tables, the writer sets down, the population of the lore- 
going territory at 18,000 when the Association was organ- 
ized, (September 1835,) and 230,000 in 1858. There were 
120 Associated Baptijsts in 1835, and 4,756 in 1858, within 
these counties. Hence the proportion in 1835 was one Bap- 
tist to every 150 of the entire population, and in 1858 the 
proportion was one to fifty. This shows a very encouraging 



74 HISTORY OF 

gain of Baptists upon the entire population during the last 
twenty-three years. The majority of this increase has, how- 
ever, been by letter, so that the number baptized has but 
little more than kept pace with the rapid increase of popu- 
lation. Hence the Baptists must become more efficient, else 
the world will not soon, if ever, be subdued to Christ through 
their instrumentality, provided this is a fair specimen of 
their aggressive movements. 

LOCATION AND PRESENT EXTENT OF FOX RIV- 
ER ASSOCIATION. 

The Old " Northern Association" was divided by a line, 
beginning at the east end of Washington street, Chicago, 
thence running due west to the western extremity of the 
body. The Fox River Association lies south of this line, 
and includes about one half of the above described area, 
and probably about the same proportion of the population. 
The churches composing it are in the south part of the 
counties of Cook, DuPage and Kane ; the southeast part of 
DeKalb ; the north part of Grundy and Kankakee, includ- 
ing the counties of Kendall and Will. 

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1835, 
AND JUNE 1858. 

At the first session of this Association, September 1835, 
it consisted of only four churches. 

At the session in June 1868, twenty-eight churches were 
connected with it. 

Thex the churches contained 120 members. 
Now the membership is 2,333. 
Thex four pastors belonged to the body. 



FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 75 

Now it has twenty-one Pastors, eleven ministers without 
charge, and one licentiate. 

Then thirteen messengers including Pastors represented the 

churches ; 
Now eighty-one messengers, including Pastors, appear on 

the minutes of this year. 

Then no visiting brethren, in the ministry were present ; 

Now four were present. When roads are good and weath- 
er favorabk the number of visiting brethren is much 
larger. 

Then the meeting was held in a small lone school-house. 

Now in a spacious church edifice in a stirring village. 

Then the mode of traveling was mostly in double lumber 
wagons ; 

Now in neat comfortable carriages and by Railroad. 

Then the streams were unbridged, sloughs nearly impassa- 
ble, and the messengers of the churches not unfrequent- 
ly greatly fatigued and in a muddy plight ; 

Now streams are bridged, roads greatly improved, and the 
messengers and people come together under comfortable 
circumstances. 

Then an exorbitant price was paid for lodging on the bar- 
room floor of a log tavern ; 

Now hotels are numerous, accommodations good and prices 
fair. 

Then churches gave their pastors a salaiy, from $50 to $100 
per annum ; 

Now their salaries are from four to six hundred dollars in 
small villages and rural districts, and much larger in 
cities. 



t HISTORY OF 

Thex some secular employment was necessarily connected. 

with the pastorate to eke out a scanty salary, unless 

aided by some Missionary Board ; 
Now rarely, except as a matter of choice, not of necessity.. 
Then there were no church edifices ; 
Now there are twenty in this Association alone, varying in 

cost from $2,000 to $25,000 each. 

PROGRESS OF BAPTIST PRINCIPLES. 

The Sangamon was the most northern Baptist Association 
in the State till this was organized. In 1858 there were 
nine Associations north of the Sangamon, containing a 
membership of 13,882; Five of which — The Fox River, 
Rock River, Chicago, Ottawa, and Union Associations are 
included within a smaller territory than was at first embraced 
by this Association. They contain 108 churches, about 100 
ministers, and 8,089 members; having received more than 
8,'OfK) by baptism. 

CONCLUSION. 

In the light of this historical sketch, we look back to the 
summer of 1833, when the population was exceedingly 
sparse, and when there was only here and there a solitary 
Baptist to be found — no Baptist church and but ewe Baptist 
minister in all Northern Illinois. In a short time after Bro. 
Freeman arrived a church was organized at O'Plain, (Had- 
ley,) with twelve members, and the following week another 
was organized at Chicago with fifteen members. In 1834 
three more ministers arrived, and three new churches were 
gathered and duly organized. But the bright and encour- 
aging prospects were suddenly beclouded by the death of 



VOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 77 

Bfo. Freeman, who at the close of the year, after having as- 
sisted at the organization of Five churches in this new and 
inviting field, was, after a very brief illness, called to his re- 
ward above. 

In 1835 one of the ministers left the field for a time, and 
three others arrived. This brings into the formation of the 
Association by a Convention of four pastors and nine mes^ 
Rengers, representing four newly organized churches, con- 
taining a membership of 120. He, whose kingdom ruleth 
over all, and who hath determined the bounds of their habi- 
tation, brought these disciples together from various and 
distant parts of the world. They met in a lone school- 
house, in structure and finish but little surpassing the one 
describe;! in the " Introduction" to this history. Their num- 
ber was small. Nor were they the messengers of large and 
influential churches, apparently able to sustain them in this 
new eliterprize. The difficulties in their pathway were nu- 
merous and great. Their place of meeting was lowly; but 
their object lofty. Nothing less than the subjugation of the 
world to Christ; or as they expressed it: " To aid in the 
promotion of the spread of the Gospel, and the establish- 
ment of the Kingdom of Christ within its own borders and 
throughout the world." A gigantic enterprise to be under- 
taken by such a handful of disciples. But going at the bid- 
ding of the Master, and laboring in his name, few as they 
were, a gjorious harvest has been gathered, partly by them- 
selves, and more by their successors. Thus verifying the 
saying — "one soweth and another reapeth." 

Twenty churches containing more than 1,000 members, 
with ten or twelve pastors, have gone from the body into 
other Associations; but it now consists of twenty-eight 



78 HISTORY OF 

churches, containing 2,333 members, having twenty-one pas- 
tors, one licentiate, and about a dozen other ministers. 

Wonderful are the improvements everywhere to be met 
with throughout the country. To say nothing of canals, 
railroads, and the springing up of villages and cities, as by 
magic ; we see this wilderness blossoming as the rose, preju- 
dices giving way, society compacted, learning promoted, 
churches formed, Sabbath schools established, converts mul- 
tiplied, numerous church edifices erected, convenient in size 
and neat in structure ; the ministry greatly strengthened in 
number, learning and influence ; so that if vital piety does 
but advance in equal ratio, victory must soon turn on the side 
of Zion. 

Whenever the pioneer looks back over this most interest- 
ing field and calls to mind former days ; he involuntarily 
exclaims: " What hath God wrought?" while with the tear 
of penitence, that he has done so little for the Master, is 
mingled the tear of joy, that the Master has done so much 
for us. 



APPENDIX. 

1859. 

A sketch of the anniversary of this year is added as an 
appendix to what was previously prepared for the press, to 
save the reconstruction of the tables and the rewriting of 
much other matter. 

On the first and second days of June, the Twenty-fourth 
anniversary of the body was held at Bristol — a small village 
on the northern bank of Fox River, Kendall Co. 

The scene was pleasing to all ; but doubly delightful and 
deeply affecting to the few who were there at the session of 
1846, when the Association was divided. The village ; the 
condition and prospects of the church ; the neat, new and- 
commodious church edifice, filled with attentive and devout 
worshipers, were objects of great interest, and stood in such 
sticking contrast with what was to be seen and enjoyed, 
when the body last met there, (1846,) as to call forth the 
exclamation, " "What hath God wrought !" 

The weather was fine — the attendance large— the religious 
services unusually sweet and edifying. Harmony and 
brotherly love characterized the session in an eminent de- 
gree. It was in very deed a holy convocation, graced by 
the presence of the Master, and thus rendered joyous and 
profitable to all. 

The opening sermon was preached by Pastor W. D, 



80 FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION. 

Clark of Morris, from Eph. 2 : 12, latter clause. Pastor C. 
Button of Aurora, Moderator, and Pastor R. A. Clapp of 
Sandwich, Clerk. 

One new church was received — Piano, organized June 
Tlh, 1858, with sixteen members. D. N. Kinnie, Pastor. 

The church at Little Pock, having disbanded by mutual 
consent, was dropped. Twenty-eight churches, twenty-six 
ministers, and one hundred and fourteen baptized. 

The letter from the Somonauk German Church contained 
an interesting and affecting account of themselves ; and of 
the labors, protracted illness and death of their worthy and 
beloved Pastor, Rev. Charles "West. 

The following resolution was made in reference to the late 
Rev. C. A. West : 

Whereas, The great head of the Church has been pleased 
in His all-wise Providence, to remove our dear Bro. West, 
pastor oi the Somonauk German Baptist Church, from his 
labors on earth to the rest and bliss of Heaven. Therefore, 

Resolved, That we hereby tender to his afflicted family, 
and the dear brethren of the church to which he ministered, 
our sincere sympathies, and pray that God in His rich grace 
mav abundantlv sustain them. 



TIMES AND PLACES OF ANNIVERSARIES. 

1835, September 15, Association organized, DuPage, Cook Co. Page 16 

1836, Sept. 21st, 22d, First anniversary, 

1837, October, Second 

1838, Oct. 3d, 4th, Third 

1839, Oct, 4th, 5th, Fourth 

1840, Oct. 7th, 8th, Fifth 

1841, June 2d, 3d, Sixth 

1842, June 1st, 2d, 3d, Seventh 

1843, June 7th, 8th, Eighth 

1844, June 5th, 6th, Ninth 

1845, June 4th, 5th. Tenth 

1846, tJune, 3d. 4th, Eleventh 

1847, June 2d, 3d Twelfth 

1848, June 7th, 8th, Thirteenth 

1849, June 6th, 7th, Fourteenth 

1850, June 5th, 6th, Fifteenth 

1851, June 4th, 5th, Sixteenth 

1852, Juno 2d, 3d, Seventeenth 

1853, June 1st, 2d, Eighteenth 

1854, June 7th, 8th, Nineteenth 

1855, June 6th, 7th. Twentieth 

1856, tJune 4th, 5th. Twenty-first 

1857, June 3d, 4th, Twenty-second " 

1858, June 2d, 3d, Twenty-third " 

1859, June 1st, 2d, Twenty-fourth « 

t The time of holding the session in .1643, and 
above table. 



Chicago, 


20 


Plainfield, 


23 


Warreuville, 


23 


Elgin, 


25 


Bristol, 


27 


Plainfield, 


28 


Warreuville, 


29 


Batavia, 


33 


Chicago, 


36 


Elgin, 


39 


Bristol, 


44 


Plainfield, 


47 


Chicago, 


48 


Long Grove, 


49 


Naperviiie, 


50 


Batavia, 


51 


Newark, 


51 


Aurora, 


52 


Oswego, 


55 


Lock port. 


57 


Kaneville, 


58" 


Sandwich, 


59 


Plainfield, 


60 


Bristol, Appendix. 


1856, is corrected in 


the 



ERRATA. 

4th page— For " L. D. Boon" read L. D. Boone. 
15th page — 14th line, for "sama" read same. 
18th page— 15th line, for "thnt" read that. 
19th page — 18th line, for "snip'' read nip. 
24th page — 2d line, for "Charlerton" read Charleston. 
25th page— 22d line, for "J. W. Elmore" read D. W. Elmore. 
33rd page — 11th line, for "Sylla" readScylla. 
40th page— 5th line, for ''letter" read letters. 
49th page— 21st line, for "commend'' read commenced. 
49th page — last line, for "spirit's" read Spirit's. 
50th page — 13th line, for "entire" read entirely. 

60th page— 15th line, for "Twenty churches" read Twenty-eight churches. 
63rd page — 8th line in list of Pastors, for "J. F. Hinton" read I. T. Hinton. 
A. few other errors exist which need no explanation. 



